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DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

GEWE PROJECT REPORT

on

CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF MILLETS IN INDIA:

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Submitted by:
Daksh Chugh(2k21/BAE/45)
Khyati Sachdeva (2k21/BAE/78)
Chaitanya Singh (2k21/BAE/40)
Section B

Submitted to:
Dr. Ravinder Ram
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ABSTRACT
Millets have been an integral part of Indian agriculture and cuisine for centuries, providing essential
nutrients and sustaining rural communities. However, in recent decades, the consumption of millets
has declined due to the increasing popularity of other grains and changing dietary preferences. This
research paper examines the consumption pattern of millets in India, highlighting the challenges and
opportunities for their revival as a nutritious and sustainable food source. We explore the historical
and cultural significance of millets in Indian cuisine and agriculture, the current trends in millet
consumption in India, and the reasons for their decline in popularity. Additionally, we investigate the
nutritional value of millets and their potential role in addressing malnutrition and food security in
India. The paper also reviews government policies and initiatives aimed at promoting millet
production and consumption in India. Finally, we discuss the consumer attitudes and preferences
towards millets and potential strategies to increase their consumption. By providing a comprehensive
analysis of the consumption pattern of millets in India, this research paper sheds light on important
issues related to food security, nutrition, and cultural heritage, and offers insights into the challenges
and opportunities for promoting sustainable and healthy food choices in India.
Key Words: MILLETS, CONSUMPTION, CONSUMER PREFERENCE

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Importance of Millets in India..................................................................................................................4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW......................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Stephanie Walden “What Is Fintech And How Does It Affect How I Bank?” Forbes Advisor, 2021..........5
2.2 Apran Sharma, Shreya Shrestha “The brains behind the growth of India’s fintech” Finflux.....................5
blog, July,2021................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Ishwari Chavan “India's FinTech market size at $31 billion in 2021, third largest in world”,....................5
BFSI Economic Times, January 2022...............................................................................................................5
2.4 Statista Research Department, “Fintech in India – Statistics and Facts” April 6, 2022.............................6
3. OBJECTIVES....................................................................................................................................................6
4. METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................................................6
4.1 RESEARCH DESIGN....................................................................................................................................6
4.2 SOURCE OF DATA.....................................................................................................................................6
DATA COLLECTION TOOLS..............................................................................................................................6
5. CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF MILLETS...........................................................................................................7
5.1 PRODUCTION TRENDS OF MILLETS...........................................................................................................8
5.2 ADVANTAGES...........................................................................................................................................9
6.KEY INITIATIVES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT....................................................................................................10
7. CHALLENGES................................................................................................................................................11
9. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................................11
10. REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................................12
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10.1 JOURNAL...............................................................................................................................................12
10.2 LINKS....................................................................................................................................................12

1. INTRODUCTION
Millets are a group of small-seeded grains that have been grown and consumed in India for thousands
of years. These grains have played an important role in Indian agriculture and cuisine, providing
essential nutrients and sustaining rural communities. However, the consumption of millets has
declined in recent decades due to the increasing popularity of other grains such as rice and wheat.
This decline in millet consumption has important implications for food security, nutrition, and
cultural heritage in India. The nutritional value of millets is well documented. Millets are a good
source of protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and zinc. They are also
gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for people with gluten intolerance
and diabetes.
Millets have the potential to address malnutrition and food insecurity in India, particularly in rural
areas where access to nutritious food is limited. Despite these advantages, the consumption of millets
in India has declined sharply over the last few decades. The reasons for this decline are complex and
include factors such as changing dietary preferences, urbanization, and the promotion of other grains
by the government. This decline in millet consumption is a cause for concern as it threatens the
sustainability of Indian agriculture, the health of Indian consumers, and the cultural heritage of the
country. Therefore, it is essential to examine the consumption pattern of millets in India and identify
strategies to promote their consumption.
This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the consumption pattern of millets
in India, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for their revival as a nutritious and sustainable
food source. By examining the historical and cultural significance of millets, current trends in millet
consumption, and the nutritional value of millets, this paper aims to provide insights into the
challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainable and healthy food choices in India.

1.1 Importance of Millets in India

Millets have been an important part of Indian agriculture and cuisine for centuries. These small-
seeded grains are highly nutritious, versatile, and easy to grow in a variety of soil and climate
conditions. In India, millets have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their cultivation and
consumption have been deeply intertwined with the country's cultural and agricultural heritage. There
are several reasons why millets are important in India.

Firstly, millets are highly nutritious and contain a wide range of essential nutrients such as protein,
fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and have a low glycemic index, making them
an ideal food for people with diabetes and other health conditions.
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Secondly, millets are easy to grow and require minimal water and fertilizer compared to other grains
such as rice and wheat. This makes them a more sustainable crop option, particularly in areas with
low rainfall and limited irrigation facilities. Millets are also more resilient to pests and diseases,
reducing the need for pesticides and other chemicals.

Thirdly, millets are an important source of income for many small-scale farmers in India, particularly
in rural areas. Millet cultivation provides livelihoods for millions of farmers and supports the rural
economy. The production of millets also promotes biodiversity and helps to conserve soil health,
making it an important component of sustainable agriculture.

Finally, millets are deeply rooted in Indian culture and cuisine. They have been used in a wide range
of dishes, from porridges and flatbreads to snacks and desserts. Millets are also an important part of
religious and cultural ceremonies, and their consumption is considered to be auspicious in many parts
of India.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
The topic Impact of Fintech companies reads out the analysis of various sectors associated with
Fintech and subsequently linking the uses and importance of the same. The data collected to
complete our research was collected from various valid sources over the Internet (like Investopedia,
Digipay, Wikipedia, Forbes) economic journals, books. The main objective of choosing this topic
was to study the importance of fintech companies in detail and to understand what are the basics and
how it influences the economy.

2.1 Stephanie Walden “What Is Fintech And How Does It Affect How I Bank?” Forbes Advisor, 2021
Up until now, financial services institutions offered a variety of services under a single umbrella. The
scope of these services encompassed a broad range from traditional banking activities to mortgage
and trading services. In its most basic form, Fintech unbundles these services into individual
offerings. The combination of streamlined offerings with technology enables fintech companies to be
more efficient and cut down on costs associated with each transaction. The primary means by which
people access the web and make use of different financial services is the smartphone equipped with
mobile banking apps and digital wallets such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay. According to Statista
(official German statistic service) the mobile payment market might exceed $1 trillion in 2019.
2.2 Apran Sharma, Shreya Shrestha “The brains behind the growth of India’s fintech” Finflux
blog, July,2021
This paper give the fundamental points of interest about proponents of fintech growth in India along
with the promoters of this expansion. The main objective of research paper is getting a closer look at
the momentous growth of Indian fintech industry over the past decade and leading influencers of this
change. While at first glance, it might seem that the growth of fintech in India is unprecedented,
however upon closer inspection, we can clearly point out several promoters of this exponential
growth especially the prominent schemes rolled out by the government.
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2.3 Ishwari Chavan “India's FinTech market size at $31 billion in 2021, third largest in world”,
BFSI Economic Times, January 2022
The rapid pace of growth in the FinTech sector in India comes on the back of accelerated
digitalization in the country. In the next five years, the FinTech sector is expected to grow with a
compound annual growth rate of 22%, and it currently stands as the third largest
FinTech. The main objective is to analyse the competency and large growth potential of Indian
fintech sector suited with expanding middle income and high income households with suitable
government initiatives.

2.4 Statista Research Department, “Fintech in India – Statistics and Facts” April 6, 2022
This paper gives an insight into the statistical data and facts about how the fintech sector in India has
faired in recent times. Analyses are performed on the data obtained.

3. OBJECTIVES
Consumption pattern of millets in India is an important issue that has implications for food security,
nutrition, and cultural heritage. While the consumption of millets has declined in recent years, there
is growing interest in millets among health-conscious consumers and a renewed interest in traditional
Indian foods. To promote the consumption of millets, it is essential to increase awareness of their
nutritional value, develop new products and recipes, and support millet cultivation through
government policies and initiatives. This research will go through the relevant areas primarily
focussing about consumption pattern of millets in India in depth.
 To assess the current consumption pattern of millets in different regions of India and
identify factors that influence their consumption.
 To identify the barriers to the consumption of millets and explore strategies to
overcome them.
 To examine the impact of government policies and initiatives on millet cultivation and
consumption in India.
 To explore the potential of millet-based products to improve nutrition and create new
economic opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
 To assess the awareness of consumers about the health benefits of millets and their
perceptions of millets as a food source.

4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
There are three types of research design:
• exploratory research design
• descriptive research design
• Causal research design
In this study, we have taken descriptive research design.
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4.2 SOURCE OF DATA

There are two types of data: primary data and secondary data type, while doing this research we have
taken secondary data for the study.

DATA COLLECTION TOOLS

We have used international and business reports, research publication, newspaper etc. for the study.

5. CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF MILLETS

The consumption pattern of millets in India has been changing over the years. Historically, millets
have been an important staple food in many parts of India, particularly in rural areas. However, with
the changing dietary habits and the shift towards urbanization, the consumption of millets has been
declining. The consumption pattern of millets in India varies across regions, with some regions
consuming more millets than others.

For example, southern India has a long history of consuming millets, and they are still an important
part of the diet in many households. In states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh,
millets such as foxtail millet, finger millet, and pearl millet are commonly consumed in the form of
porridge, flatbreads, and rice substitutes. In northern India, millets are not as widely consumed, but
they are still an important food source in some parts of the region. In states like Rajasthan and
Haryana, pearl millet (bajra) is a popular staple food, and it is commonly consumed in the form of
rotis, khichdi, and porridge.

Here is an overview of the consumption pattern of millets in different regions of India:

 South India: Millets have been a staple food in southern India for centuries, particularly in the
states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In these states, millets are
commonly consumed in the form of porridge, flatbreads, and rice substitutes. Foxtail millet,
finger millet, and pearl millet are among the most commonly consumed millets in southern
India.

 North India: Millets are not as commonly consumed in northern India as they are in the south.
However, in some parts of the region, such as Rajasthan and Haryana, pearl millet (bajra) is a
popular staple food. In these states, pearl millet is commonly consumed in the form of rotis,
khichdi, and porridge.

 East India: Millets are not widely consumed in eastern India, but they are still an important
food source in some parts of the region. In Odisha and West Bengal, finger millet (ragi) is a
popular food item, and it is commonly consumed in the form of porridge, cakes, and sweets.

 West India: Millets are not widely consumed in western India, but they are an important food
source in some parts of the region. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, pearl millet (bajra) is a
popular food item, and it is commonly consumed in the form of rotis, khichdi, and porridge.
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 Northeast India: Millets are an important food source in some parts of northeast India,
particularly in the states of Assam and Meghalaya. In these states, finger millet (ragi) is a
popular food item, and it is commonly consumed in the form of porridge, cakes, and sweets.

Figure 1: Consumption of Millets in prominent Indian states

5.1 PRODUCTION TRENDS OF MILLETS

The production trends of millets in India have been fluctuating over the years, with varying levels of
production across different regions and states. According to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers' Welfare, the total production of millets in India in 2020-21 was 34.22 million tonnes,
which was a significant increase from the previous year's production of 27.64 million tonnes.

The major millet-producing states in India are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, which together account for more than 80% of the total millet production
in the country. Rajasthan is the largest producer of millets in India, followed by Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka. The production of millets in India has been affected by various factors, including weather
conditions, changing consumption patterns, and government policies.

In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives to promote millet cultivation,
including the National Food Security Mission, Millets Mission, National Programme for Promotion
of Millets, and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, among others. These initiatives aim to increase the
area under millet cultivation, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and improve the livelihoods
of farmers. The production trends of different types of millets in India also vary. Finger millet (ragi)
is the most widely cultivated millet in India, followed by pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), and
foxtail millet (kangni).
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Figure 2: Production Trends of Millets in India

However, the production of each type of millet varies across different regions and states, depending
on factors such as soil type, climate, and local consumption patterns. Overall, the production trends
of millets in India have been fluctuating over the years, but there is growing interest and support for
promoting millet cultivation as a means of enhancing food and nutrition security, supporting
sustainable agriculture practices, and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

5.2 ADVANTAGES
 High nutritional value: Millets are rich in nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and
minerals. They are a good source of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium,
making them a nutritious food option.

 Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal food option for people
with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

 Low glycemic index: Millets have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slow and
steady rise in blood sugar levels. This makes them a good option for people with diabetes or
those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

 Sustainable crop: Millets require less water and are drought-resistant, making them an ideal
crop for sustainable agriculture. They are also suitable for organic farming practices, as they
require minimal use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

 Versatile: Millets can be used in a variety of ways, including as a rice substitute, in porridges,
soups, and stews, and in baked goods like bread and cookies. This versatility makes them a
useful ingredient in a range of recipes.

 Cost-effective: Millets are often more affordable than other grains like rice and wheat,
making them a cost-effective option for households on a budget. Overall, the advantages of
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millets make them a valuable addition to the diet. They offer several health benefits, are
sustainable to grow, and can be used in a variety of ways.

Figure 3: Proportion of Millets consumption in India

6.KEY INITIATIVES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT

Key initiatives undertaken by the Government to promote the production and consumption in India
are listed below:
 National Food Security Mission (NFSM): The NFSM was launched in 2007 with the
objective of increasing the production of various crops, including millets. Under the mission,
financial assistance is provided to farmers for various agricultural activities such as seed
distribution, soil testing, and farm mechanization.
 Millets Mission: The Millets Mission was launched by the Indian government in 2018 to
promote the cultivation of millets in the country. The mission aims to increase the area under
millet cultivation, promote millet-based cropping systems, and encourage the use of millets in
government schemes like mid-day meals.
 National Programme for Promotion of Millets : The National Programme for Promotion of
Millets (NPPM) was launched in 2020 with the objective of promoting the production,
processing, and consumption of millets. Under the program, financial assistance is provided
to farmers for various activities related to millet cultivation and processing.
 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): The RKVY is a flagship program of the Indian
government that aims to support the development of agriculture in the country. Under the
program, financial assistance is provided to farmers for various activities such as seed
distribution, soil testing, and farm mechanization, with a focus on promoting sustainable
agriculture practices.
 Millet Processing and Value Addition: The government has also taken initiatives to
promote millet processing and value addition, which can help increase the demand for millets.
Various programs have been launched to promote millet-based food businesses, training
programs for millet processing, and awareness campaigns for promoting millet-based
products.
These initiatives by the government are aimed at increasing the production and consumption of
millets in the country, with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the
livelihoods of farmers. The government's efforts, combined with private sector initiatives and
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consumer awareness campaigns, are expected to result in the revival of millet-based food systems in
India.

7. CHALLENGES
Despite the many advantages of millets, there are several challenges that need to be addressed
to promote their production and consumption in India. Some of these challenges include:
 Low awareness and demand: One of the major challenges facing the promotion of
millets is low consumer awareness and demand. Many people are not familiar with
millets and do not know how to cook or use them, which can lead to low demand for
millet-based products.
 Limited availability and accessibility: Millets are not as widely available as other
grains like rice and wheat, and are often sold at a higher price. This can make it
difficult for consumers, especially those with lower incomes, to access and afford
millet-based products.
 Lack of research and development: There is limited research and development on
millets in India, which can limit the understanding of their potential benefits and their
use in different food products. This can also limit the development of millet-based
food products and processing technologies.
 Climate change and variability: Millets are generally considered to be a hardy crop,
but they are still susceptible to climate change and variability. Changes in temperature
and rainfall patterns can affect the growth and productivity of millets, making them
more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
 Marketing and distribution challenges: The marketing and distribution of millets
can be a challenge, especially for small-scale farmers and processors. There is a need
for better infrastructure and logistics to support the distribution of millets across
different regions and markets.
Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from various stakeholders,
including the government, private sector, and civil society. Steps such as increasing consumer
awareness and demand, improving availability and accessibility, investing in research and
development, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and improving marketing and
distribution infrastructure can help promote the production and consumption of millets in
India.

9. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the consumption pattern of millets in India has undergone significant changes over the
years, with a shift away from traditional millet-based diets towards more modern diets based on rice
and wheat. However, there has been renewed interest in millets in recent years, driven by growing
awareness of their nutritional benefits and sustainability advantages.

The government of India has taken several key initiatives to promote the production and
consumption of millets, including launching the National Food Security Mission, Millets Mission,
National Programme for Promotion of Millets, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and promoting millet
processing and value addition. These initiatives have the potential to increase the area under millet
cultivation, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
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Despite the many advantages of millets, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to
promote their production and consumption in India. These challenges include low awareness and
demand, limited availability and accessibility, lack of research and development, climate change and
variability, and marketing and distribution challenges. Addressing these challenges will require a
concerted effort from various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil
society. Steps such as increasing consumer awareness and demand, improving availability and
accessibility, investing in research and development, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and
improving marketing and distribution infrastructure can help promote the production and
consumption of millets in India.

Overall, promoting the production and consumption of millets can have multiple benefits, including
improving food and nutrition security, enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems, and
supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Therefore, there is a need for continued efforts to
promote the use of millets in India and around the world.

10. REFERENCES
10.1 JOURNAL
Stephanie Walden “What Is Fintech And How Does It Affect How I Bank?” Forbes Advisor,
2021.
Apran Sharma, Shreya Shrestha “The brains behind the growth of India’s fintech” Finflux blog,
July,2021.

Ishwari Chavan “India's FinTech market size at $31 billion in 2021, third largest in world”,
BFSI Economic Times, January 2022.

Statista Research Department, “Fintech in India – Statistics and Facts” April 6, 2022.

10.2 LINKS
https://www.fintechweekly.com/fintechdefinition#:~:text=FinTech%20Definition,way%20we%20ma

nage%20our%20finances https://www.bis.org/publ/bppdf/bispap117.pdf

https://fintechmagazine.com/crypto/howcrypto-reshaping-finance-and-world-large
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fintech.asp

https://www.google.com/search?q=fintech+google+scholar&sxsrf=APqWBvJ4E3PNkqKzA
RsOz0x0I6x4uKwSQ%3A
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https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/what-is-fintech
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/what-is-fintech/