Millets are increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to paddy due to their lower requirements for water and fertilizers. They thrive in semi-arid regions, contributing to soil health and demonstrating resilience to climate change. With a global growth rate of 6.2% and an anticipated 16% CAGR in India from 2024 to 2030, millets are emerging as a viable crop choice for farmers.
Paddy farming, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, has become unsustainable due to excessive input subsidies that encourage overproduction. This results in the overuse of water and fertilizers, leading to significant environmental degradation. For instance, Punjab's fertilizer usage stands at 248 kg/ha, considerably higher than the national average of 145 kg/ha.
A two-pronged strategy is essential for shifting farmers from paddy to millets:
The MSPs for millets such as bajra, jowar, and ragi are currently higher than those for paddy. For instance, in the 2024–25 fiscal year, the MSP for bajra rose by 77% to ₹3,475 per quintal, while jowar's MSP increased by 50–56% in states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Nevertheless, the actual procurement and farmer awareness about these MSPs remain limited.
The Food Corporation of India plays a pivotal role in promoting millets by offering procurement at MSP to stabilize the market and secure farmer income. However, its outreach for millets is significantly less than that for paddy, prompting the government to enhance millet procurement through improved infrastructure and distribution networks.
The government has introduced cash incentives to encourage farmers to switch from paddy to millets. For example, in Haryana, farmers can earn approximately ₹72,340 per hectare by transitioning from paddy to jowar. However, the uptake of these incentives has been limited due to a lack of awareness and insufficient implementation support.
India ranks among the top five millet exporters but currently accounts for only 2% of global millet exports. With rising global demand projected to reach $14 billion by 2027, India can enhance its market share by focusing on branding, standardization, and forging international collaborations.
By increasing MSPs, enhancing procurement systems, and reducing input costs, farmers' incomes from millets could potentially double within one to two cropping seasons. This shift would not only improve the economic viability of millet farming but also promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
Millets contribute to nutritional security, promote climate-resilient farming, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve water-use efficiency. Their promotion aligns with sustainable development objectives and enhances farmer income while safeguarding natural resources. As noted, “In agriculture, as in life, the shift from dependency to diversity is the path to resilience.”
Q1. Why are millets considered more sustainable than paddy?
Answer: Millets require less water and fertilizer compared to paddy, making them more sustainable. They are also climate-resilient and thrive in semi-arid regions, helping to preserve soil health.
Q2. What are the economic implications of shifting to millet cultivation?
Answer: Shifting to millet cultivation can significantly increase farmers' incomes through higher MSPs and reduced input costs, promoting better economic viability and sustainability in agriculture.
Q3. How does the MSP for millets compare to that of paddy?
Answer: MSPs for millets like bajra and jowar are currently higher than those for paddy, making them a more attractive option for farmers looking to increase their income.
Q4. What is the role of the Food Corporation of India in millet procurement?
Answer: The Food Corporation of India ensures market stability by procuring millets at MSP, although its outreach and procurement for millets are lower compared to paddy.
Q5. What actions can improve the millet market in India?
Answer: Strengthening value chains, enhancing public-private partnerships, and promoting awareness through campaigns can significantly improve the millet market in India.
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