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Millets in India: Millet

Varieties & their
Importance [Map]
Posted on August 4, 2023
Last modified on April 24th, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Tags: GS Paper 3 Prelims Nuggets

The importance of millets in India cannot be

overstated. These are primarily rainfed crops, making
them highly suitable for areas with erratic rainfall
patterns or water scarcity. They have high nutritional
content and are beneficial for both human health
and the environment. This article offers an insight
into the varieties of millets in India, their regional
distribution, and their significance for the Indian
economy and food security, all important aspects for
the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Millets: A Brief Overview
Millets are small-seeded grasses, drought-resistant
and are capable of growing well in less fertile and
marginal soils. The consumption of millets is an
integral part of the food culture
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inBatches
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India.
There are several types of millets, including Pearl
Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi), Foxtail Millet
(Kangni), Proso Millet (Chena), Kodo Millet (Kodon),
Little Millet (Kutki), and Barnyard Millet (Sanwa).
Each of these millets has unique benefits, both
nutritionally and environmentally.

Distribution and Production of

Millets in India
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Image Source: News18 & Lok Sabha

India is the largest producer of millets globally.

Millet cultivation is widespread, although it varies
in terms of concentration across states.
Pearl Millet: It is the most widely grown millet in
India and constitutes a significant part of the diet
in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana.
Finger Millet: This is primarily cultivated in the dry
regions of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Foxtail, Proso, Kodo, Little, and Barnyard Millets:
These are predominantly grown in the central and
eastern regions of India, in states like Madhya
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Types of millets in India

There are several types of millets grown across
different regions of India, known for their nutritional
benefits and adaptability toOnline
diverse climaticLearn More
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conditions.
Here are the primary types of millets and some
insights into their cultivation and nutritional profile:

Pearl Millet (Bajra):

Primarily grown in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
and Uttar Pradesh.
High in protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients
like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Finger Millet (Ragi):

Majorly cultivated in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Rich in calcium, iron, and amino acids, it’s often
recommended for bone health and diabetes
management.

Foxtail Millet (Kangni):

Cultivated across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
and Karnataka.
Known for its carbohydrate content, it also
provides a good amount of dietary fiber, minerals,
and essential fatty acids.

Barnyard Millet (Jhangora):

Grown in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya
Pradesh.
 It’s a good source of protein
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and is rich inLearn
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dietary
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fiber.

Kodo Millet (Kodon):

Cultivated in the central and southern regions of
India.
Contains high amounts of polyphenols, an
antioxidant that benefits general health.

Little Millet (Kutki):

Grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
and West Bengal.
High in magnesium, which can help improve heart
health.

Proso Millet (Chena):

Cultivated in regions of Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Known for its high protein content and the
absence of gluten.

Sorghum Millet (Jowar):

Primarily cultivated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and
Andhra Pradesh.
Packed with nutrients including protein, fiber, and
B vitamins.

Significance of Millets
Nutritional Value: Millets are richBatches
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fiber, More
iron, calcium, and B vitamins, providing a myriad of
health benefits. For instance, Finger Millet is a
remarkable source of calcium, while Pearl Millet is
packed with protein.
Climate Resilient: Millets are climate-resilient
crops and are typically grown in the semi-arid
tropics of Asia and Africa, making them perfect for
regions with harsh weather conditions and poor soil
quality.
Food Security: The ability of millets to grow in
difficult environmental conditions makes them a
crucial crop for ensuring food security in the face of
climate change.
Economic Significance: Millets play a significant role
in rural economies, providing both food and fodder.
They also contribute to the livelihood of small and
marginal farmers.

Millets and Indian Government

Initiatives
Recognizing the significance of millets, the Indian
government has launched various initiatives to
promote its cultivation and consumption. The
government declared 2018 as the ‘National Year of
Millets’ to boost the millet sector.
The ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through
Intensive Millet Promotion (INSIMP)’ scheme aims
to increase millet production and awareness about
their health benefits.
Additionally, millets have been incorporated into the
Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mid-Day
Meal scheme to improve their accessibility and
consumption.
Conclusion Online Batches Learn More
Understanding the varieties of millets, their
distribution in India, their nutritional and economic
significance, as well as the government’s initiatives
to promote their cultivation and consumption is
crucial from the UPSC Civil Services Examination
perspective.
Millets are not just agricultural commodities; they
are part of the solution for various socio-economic
and environmental issues such as malnutrition,
poverty, climate change, and sustainable
development.
Thus, candidates must have a comprehensive
understanding of this topic, as it intersects with
various aspects of the IAS syllabus, including
geography, economics, and issues related to health
and the environment.

Are millets good for health?

Yes, millets are good for health. They are a good
source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals.

What is National Millets Mission?

The National Millets Mission (NMM) is a government
of India initiative launched in 2007 to promote the
production and consumption of millets. The mission
aims to increase the area under millet cultivation,
improve the productivity of millet crops, and
develop new millet-based products.

What is Shree Anna?

 ‘Shree’ means divine graceOnline
and ‘Anna’ meansLearn
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foodMore
grain, especially rice, So Shree Anna means a food
grain with divine grace. In Union Budget 2023-24,
Finance Minister named Millets as Shree Anna.
See also:
Geographical Indication Tags Major Tribes of
(GI) India
Major ports in India What is Millet?

Article 370 of the Indian The Mines and Minerals

Constitution (Development and Regulation)
Amendment Bill, 2023

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