Eco-friendly: Millet Crops Cultivation in India

Abstract

India is an agricultural country, and agriculture is central to its culture and civilization. It contributed 18% to the country’s GDP in 2025-26. Moreover, agriculture supports 46% of the country’s population. The geographical circumstances here are perfect for growing coarse grains. As a result, coarse grains are grown in around 21 different states across the country. Given the importance of coarse grains for human health, the government of India has launched the Shri Anna Yojana to promote them. The year 2018 had been designated as the National Year of Millets. The United Nations had proclaimed 2023 the International Year of Millets, recognizing the significance of millets worldwide. Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Kangni, China, Kodo, Sawna, Kutki, Amarnath and Brown top, sometimes known as Shri Anna, are examples of coarse grains. Coarse grains used to be the main component of our food and produce before the Green Revolution. The cultivation of wheat and rice increased dramatically, but the coarse grains vanished from our plates and fields over time. In the current world, we still have food security even if a lot of people lack nutritional security. Malnutrition claims the lives of lakhs of Indian youngsters each year. In India, malnutrition affects 194.4 million individuals, or 14.5% of the total population, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization. In terms of hunger, India is placed 102 out of 123 countries in the Global Hunger Index (2025) which is concerning. Therefore, coarse grains are seen to be a very healthy choice in this scenario. Furthermore, millets also have high nutritional content. These small, seeded cereals are power packed with vitamins (Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin and others), minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols and dietary fiber. Thus, these grains are considered superfood due to their intrinsic nutritional value.