"Enhancing the millet value chain and boosting demand for millet, domestically and internationally, is the best step forward"

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has conceptualised a dedicated Task Force on Millets. The vision of the Task Force is to facilitate impactful partnerships to make the millet value chain more remunerative for farmers, beneficial to consumers, efficient and globally competitive. The Task Force works in tandem with the government's vision of celebrating the International Year of Millets (IYOM) and organising several activities in 2023. Jitendra Joshi Chair, FICCI Millet Task Force shares his thoughts with AgroSpectrum on the background of the IYOM 

- JITENDRA JOSHI

What is the current status of the millet industry in India? 

Millets are nutritionally rich, easy to cultivate and sustainable, farmer-friendly crops without any environmental impact.It is high time that we revive the brand of millets and foster resilient food systems. Millet is crucial for food and nutritional security, and promotes biodiversity while empowering farmers of not just our nation but also of the entire globe.

India is among the top 5 exporters of millet in the world. According to recent data by Trade Map, world export of millet has increased from $400 million in 2020 to $470 million in 2021. India exported millets worth $75.46 million in 2022-23, against $62.95 million in 2021-22.

Millets are the pearls of India and the United Nations celebrating 2023 as the International Year of the Millets (IYOM) is a great step towards making a sustainable Indian product as a lifestyle product on a global platform.

In the past few years and more so in 2023, there has been an increased focus on Millets from many startups, large food corporations and other stakeholders in the food chain to bring innovation to this sector with the latest technologies, recipes and products for domestic and international consumers. Proactive efforts of the government in celebrating IYOM-2023 has supported all these endeavours of different stakeholders to make Millets a really happening industry.

Do you think the millet industry in India is facing any challenges? 

Millets can be grown with the least resources, are climate-resilient crops and given the advantages, farmers are preferring to grow millets. The acreage and output have increased as a result of the adoption of high-yielding hybrid varieties and improved production techniques.