Centre formulates action plan to promote exports of millets and value-added products of millets

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its apex agricultural export promotion body, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has developed a comprehensive strategy to promote Indian millets exports around the world starting in December 2022 in order to increase the shipment of nutri-cereals.

The initiative to promote the export of millets also takes place against the backdrop of an Indian proposal that garnered support from 72 nations and resulted in the UNGA announcing 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYoM) on March 5, 2021.

In order to promote the export of Indian millets, the centre has planned to make it easier for exporters, farmers, and traders to participate in 16 international trade expos and Buyer Seller Meets (BSMs).

With an estimated 41% of the worldwide millets production, India is one of the top producers in the world. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the total millet production in the world in 2020 was 30.464 MMT, with India contributing 12.49 MMT.

The top five millet-producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. The majority of India's millets exports are whole grains.

There are 16 major varieties of millet, which are produced and exported, including Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi) Minor Millets (Kangani), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki), two Pseudo Millets (BuckWheat/Kuttu), Ameranthus (Chaulai) and Brown Top Millet.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.