Millets are gaining renewed attention across India as farmers and policymakers promote them as climate-resilient, nutritious, and sustainable food crops. With changing weather patterns and increasing water stress, millets such as jowar, bajra, ragi, and other small millets are being encouraged as viable alternatives to water-intensive crops.
Agricultural experts highlight that millets require less water, mature quickly, and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making them ideal for rain-fed regions. Government initiatives, including awareness campaigns, minimum support prices, and inclusion of millets in public distribution systems and midday meal schemes, have boosted both cultivation and consumption. Farmers adopting millet cultivation have reported reduced input costs and stable yields, even during erratic rainfall seasons.
At the same time, growing consumer awareness about the health benefits of millets—rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals—has led to increased demand in urban markets. Officials say promoting millets will not only strengthen food and nutritional security but also support sustainable agriculture and enhance farmers’ incomes. As climate challenges intensify, millets are increasingly seen as crops of the future.
