Millet is a crop rich in nutritional value, primarily cultivated in the dry and semi-arid regions of India. It belongs to the grass family and bears small seeds. It plays a crucial role in India's environmental and economic stability. Millets are also referred to as "coarse grains" or "grains of the poor" due to their affordability. They are packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. India ranks among the top five millet exporters globally, having exported millets worth $75.46 million in the year 2022-23, up from $62.95 million in the year 2021-22.
Millet production in Kerala is concentrated mainly in two districts: Palakkad and Idukki. In agricultural areas, millet cultivation thrives predominantly in Attappadi, Kerala. The state government has designated 192 tribal villages in Attappadi as millet-growing regions. Various campaigns, such as the International Year of Millets, are underway by the central government to promote millet cultivation in the country. The Kerala government is considering expanding millet cultivation. Millets are primarily cultivated over 1200 hectares during two cropping seasons in Attappadi, with plans to expand it to 3,000 hectares. Sorghum, finger millet, and little millet are the primary millet varieties cultivated in Kerala, while other millets are grown in minimal quantities. The yield from crops sown between April and June has been exceptionally good. Coarse grain production in the current season is projected to reach approximately 5.2 million tons, compared to a combined yield of approximately 7.2 tons in the previous two seasons.
Millets, also known as coarse grains, are nutritious grains rich in fiber, minerals, and other essential nutrients. They are utilized in various dishes such as porridge, bread, and as side dishes. Millets are extensively cultivated worldwide and are widely consumed in global cuisine.
Millets flourish in rain-fed areas, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides compared to other grains. They boast good nutritional elements and bioactive flavonoids in comparison to other cereals. Serving as a source of essential minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc, millets are gluten-free and suitable for individuals with celiac disease. They aid in managing high blood pressure and weight loss. In India, millets are commonly consumed alongside pulses, enhancing amino acids and facilitating protein digestion. Millets serve dual purposes as both food grains and fodder for animals.
Indian Millets Production: Millets, classified as coarse grains, are widely consumed as food in various regions worldwide, particularly in Africa and Asia. Approximately 1.2 billion people globally include millets in their diets. India leads as the largest producer and exporter of cereals globally. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India's cereal exports amounted to 13,857.95 million US dollars, with millet production primarily concentrated in Africa and Asia. India tops the list of millet-producing countries, followed by Niger and China, with Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, among others, also significant contributors. Millets play a crucial role not only as a major food crop but also in the diets of many people in developing countries due to their rich fiber and essential mineral content.
States Producing Millets: The states in India contributing to millet production include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. These states boast a significant number of millet farmers catering to both domestic and international markets. Additionally, smaller millet-producing regions are present in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Types of Sri Anna Millets: The Model Farm cultivates all nine varieties of millets. The Millet Mission of the Kerala government advocates for establishing maximum retail prices for all millet types. Initiated in August 2023, the Millet Mission in Kerala embarked on a project to establish millet fields statewide. Recently, the Model Millet Farm established in Orakateri, Kozhikode, distinguishes itself from other farms in its cultivation methods and comprehensive approach to establishment.
While most millet farms in the state, including Atapadi and Palakkad, where millets have long been a significant dietary component, cultivate only three millet types, the Model Farm in Orakateri grows all nine types. Additionally, it functions as an educational and research center for millets and their cultivation. Ragi (Finger Millet), Manicholam (Sorghum), and Kaambu/Bajra (Pearl Millet) are among the three millet types cultivated in Kerala, making millet farming more accessible. Moreover, the Model Farm, established on private land at a rate of 50 cents, will also incorporate other millet types such as Thina (Foxtail Millet), Chama (Little Millet), Varagu (Kodo Millet), Kuthiravali (Barnyard Millet), Panivaragu (Proso Millet), and Malanchama/Korali (Browntop Millet), which require dehusking and thus necessitate processing.
The fields will provide facilities for farmers and researchers to understand millet cultivation, including the time required for each millet and plant appearance, growth duration, flowering, fruiting, maturation, and drying.
Millet, with its high nutritional value, has a short cultivation period and can serve as an alternative to imported grains. Requiring less water and tolerating temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, millet faces its greatest challenge from changing climates and untimely rains. "Millet should not be irrigated with rainwater or sprinklers after flowering. It should be irrigated through channels or soil." In 2023, Millet was designated as the International Year of Millets, leading to a steady increase in global millet consumption.
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