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Millet Based Business Opportunities in India: From Grains to Gains

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 Authors
Dr. Mayurkumar Rishikant Meshram
Abhishek Patel
Dileep Vyas
DRK Saikanth
Kunal Nitin Gawande

AkiNik Publications ®
New Delhi
Published By: AkiNik Publications

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Authors: Dr. Mayurkumar Rishikant Meshram, Abhishek Patel, Dileep Vyas,

DRK Saikanth and Kunal Nitin Gawande

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Publication Year: 2023
Edition: 1st
Pages: 165
ISBN: 978-93-6135-222-5
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 Preface

In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing appreciation for diverse,
nutritious, and sustainable food options. Among these, millets have emerged
as a significant source of nourishment and sustainability. Their resilience,
adaptability, and nutritional richness make them a promising choice for
addressing various global challenges, including food security, climate
change, and health concerns.
'Millets at a Glance' is a comprehensive endeavor aimed at providing a
holistic view of these remarkable grains. This book delves into the diverse
facets of millets, encompassing their historical significance, nutritional
benefits, agronomic practices, culinary versatility, and their role in fostering
a sustainable future.
Readers of this book will embark on a journey exploring the intricate
details of millets - from their humble origins to their resurgence in modern
cuisine and agriculture. It offers insights into their cultivation techniques,
biodiversity, and the numerous health advantages associated with their
consumption.
Furthermore, 'Millets at a Glance' doesn't just serve as an informative
guide but also as an ode to the farmers, researchers, chefs, and advocates
who tirelessly work towards promoting these grains worldwide. It aspires to
ignite curiosity, awareness, and appreciation for these often-underestimated
marvels of nature.
As we navigate the complexities of contemporary food systems,
embracing millets presents an opportunity for a more sustainable and
healthier future. This book aims to contribute to the growing discourse on
millets and inspire a broader understanding of their immense potential in
shaping a more resilient and nourished world.
We hope that 'Millets at a Glance' serves as a valuable resource for
students, researchers, farmers, nutritionists, policymakers, and anyone
intrigued by the remarkable story and potential of these ancient grains.
 Contents

S. No. Chapters Page No.

1. Introduction to Millets: Ancient Grains for Modern
Sustainability
Mayur Kumar R Meshram, D. R. K. Saikanth, Rishabh Yadav and
Shubham Singh
01-13
2. Historical Significance of Millets in Human Nutrition
D. Reethika, Hemavarshini M P, Meena M and Niharika P
15-26
3. Millet and Food Security: Addressing a Global
Challenge
Dr. Ajoy Das, Dr. Sujan Biswas and Dr. Kasturi Ghosh
27-40
4. Millets and Sustainable Agriculture
Yabi Gadi, Khonang Longkho, Karobi Handique, N Sushma Devi,
Sentimenla and M.M. Shulee Ariina
41-55
5. Enhancing Farmers' Economic Prosperity through
Millets: Harnessing Climate Resilience in Agriculture
Arijit Karmakar, Anmol Giri and Arup Sarkar
57-72
6. Millet Based Business Opportunities in India: From
Grains to Gains
Subhash Kumar Saurav and Vani Chandran
73-88
7. Prospects of Connecting Farmer Producer
Organizations for Promotion of Millets
Manjuprakash, Sangappa, Rahul Bellagi and Arun S Honyal
89-98
8. Millets in Diabetic Diets and Weight Management
Kaviyazhagan S, Cheran E, Gokulakrishnan M and Manimaran G
99-111
9. Common Diseases Affecting Millet Crops
Akanksha Minj
113-131
10. Integrated Pest Management Strategies in Millets
Malawanthkar Rani, Gonda Manusha and Jarpla Mounika
133-149
11. Integrated Pest Management: Strategies for Effective
Control
N. Karthik Raja, S. Geerthana, Ramya A.R and G. Shanthini
151-165
 Chapter - 6
Millet Based Business Opportunities in India:
From Grains to Gains

Authors
Subhash Kumar Saurav
Ph.D. Research Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension,
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
Vani Chandran
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension
Education, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kerala
Agricultural University, Kerala, India

Page | 73
Page | 74
 Chapter - 6
Millet Based Business Opportunities in India: From Grains
to Gains
Subhash Kumar Saurav and Vani Chandran

Abstract
Millet, often referred to as "nutri-cereal," has been an integral part of
India's agricultural heritage for centuries. These drought-resistant, nutrient-
rich grains have sustained generations of Indians and are deeply ingrained in
the cultural and culinary traditions of the country. However, the past decade
has witnessed a remarkable revival of millets in India, driven by a
convergence of factors. First and foremost is the growing awareness of
millets' exceptional nutritional value. They are rich in protein, dietary fibre,
vitamins, and minerals, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious
consumers seeking balanced nutrition. Consumer food preferences are
evolving rapidly, with a heightened focus on consuming wholesome and
sustainable food options. Food entrepreneurs are capitalising on this trend by
expanding their product ranges to incorporate healthier alternatives,
including the use of alternative ingredients like millets. The current scenario
is marked by a growing awareness of millets' health benefits, government
initiatives to support millet cultivation, and an increasing emphasis on
sustainability. However, challenges such as limited awareness, processing
and marketing obstacles, competition from other grains, and the need for
policy and investment support still exist. Addressing the challenges and
seizing these opportunities will not only contribute to food security and
improved nutrition but also support sustainable agriculture and rural
livelihoods in India. Millets, with their rich cultural history and newfound
potential, have the capacity to reshape the nation's food landscape and
contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Keywords: Agriculture, entrepreneurs, food security, health benefits, millets
Introduction
Millet is a collective name for a variety of perennial grasses that are
cultivated as cereal crops, particularly on arid soils in subtropical, temperate,

Page | 75
and tropical climates. The most significant varieties include foxtail millet,
proso millet, finger millet, and pearl millet. Pearl millet accounts for almost
half of the global millet crop. It is the most important variety of millet in
terms of its cultivated area and its contribution to the food security of poor
countries in Africa and parts of Asia that cannot produce much else (FAO).
They're believed to have been the first cereal grain utilised for household
purposes and are among the first meals known to humans. They have been
growing since the beginning of time. Around 6,000 varieties of millet are
grown globally. In many affluent nations, millets are underutilized.
Processing millet grains to create value-added meals has enormous promise
(Chandrasekara and Shahidi, 2010).
For approximately 10,000 years, millet, a type of grass belonging to the
Poaceae family, has been utilized both as animal fodder and as a food source
for humans. It is well-suited to thrive in arid and hot climates, and its small
seeds have been a valuable resource for sustenance (Tripathi et al, 2021). As
one of the most significant cereal grains, millets are a strong source of
phytochemicals and minerals. Millets are consumed by more than a third of
the world’s population. In terms of global agricultural production, it is the
6th largest cereal crop. Examples of millets include Jowar (sorghum), Sama
(little millet), Ragi (finger millet), Korra (foxtail millet), and Variga (proso
millet). Ragi has the lowest fat content, while Bajra and Sama are
respectively high in fat content. The use of millets as a staple food in rural
areas is a long-standing tradition. Millets have been cultivated for millennia
and are widely consumed around the globe. Because they contain a
considerable amount of magnesium, millets aid in the prevention of Type II
Diabetes (Reddy, 2017).
Millions of rural residents in Asia and Africa eat millets as their primary
source of nourishment. When combined with other sources of protein,
millets can make up for the lack of certain amino acids since they have a
higher carbohydrate energy content than other cereals (Amadou et al, 2013).
It possesses anti-diabetic, anti-tumorogenic, and atherogenic actions, making
it incredibly nutritious and healthful. (Gull et al, 2014). Most millets thrive
on low-fertility soils. Farmyard manures and homegrown bio fertilisers can
be used as nutrients to help them flourish, so manufactured fertilisers are
avoided. The majority of millets, including foxtail, tiny millet, Kodomillet,
and others, are completely pest-free when produced according to ecological
circumstances and local landraces. Consequently, no insecticides and
pesticides are required. Millets can survive higher heat regimes and can
flourish in drought-prone environments. Millets may flourish in low rainfall

Page | 76
regimes of 200 to 500 mm without irrigation. Millets are a rich source of
nutrients in significant amounts. They include both large and small nutrients
that are essential to human health. Consequently, they can aid in coping with
malnutrition (Karuppasamy, 2015).
According to FAO, the world's total production of millets in 2020 was
30,464 million metric tonnes. India alone produced 12.49 million metric
tonnes, or 41 percent of the total. In the years 2021-22, India witnessed a
significant increase in millet production, recording a 27 percent growth
compared to the previous year, when millet production stood at 15.92 MMT.
India's biggest producers of millet are Rajasthan and Maharashtra, with
Karnataka and Gujarat also producing some. The amount of millet exported
to other countries is about 1% of India's total production of millet.
Importance of Millets in the Indian Agriculture Sector
Millets have advantages for our health in addition to being resistant to
climate change since they can withstand a broad variety of temperatures and
moisture levels and require less maintenance to develop. They are also
water- and carbon-efficient crops. Millets can tolerate drought and can
survive on 350mm to 400mm of rainfall. Millets develop more quickly,
causing less environmental stress. As proposed by India to the Food and
Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a
resolution designating 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The main
goal of this initiative is to raise public awareness of the health benefits of
millets and their suitability for cultivation under challenging conditions
brought on by climate change (Roy, 2023).
India ranks among the leading five millet exporters globally. The global
millet export figures have risen from $400 million in 2020 to $470 million in
2021, according to ITC trade data. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India exported
millets valued at $75.46 million, an increase from $62.95 million in 2021-22
providing a good business to Indian millet growers.
Millets are a valuable crop for small farmers due to their low investment
and low input cost, as well as their nutritional benefits. Furthermore, millets
have a high demand in the market, which makes them a profitable crop for
farmers.
Health Benefits of millets
Table 1: Functional and Nutritional Properties of millets

S. No. Millets Functional Properties Nutritional Properties

High hydration capacity
1. Finger Millet Rich in Calcium
High viscosity

Page | 77
 Barnyard High emulsion activity and stability
2. Rich in Iron
Millet High dough raising capacity
High-Fat content
3. Little Millet High water absorption index
High Potassium content
4. Kodo Millet High water solubility High Protein content
High viscosity
5. Foxtail Millet High ash
High water adsorption
High hydration capacity
6. Sorghum Low swelling capacity High fibre content
High bulk density
High water solubility
7. Pearl Millet Rich in Iron
High oil absorption capacity
8. Proso Millet High hydration index High Zinc content

Millets possess nutritional attributes that rival those of major cereals,

encompassing carbohydrates, micronutrients, and beneficial phytochemicals.
To rekindle the demand for millets within India, it is imperative to establish
a unified platform that connects all stakeholders throughout the value chain,
bridging the gap between dryland farmers and participants along the
production-to-consumption system (Roy, 2023). Millets are particularly
known for their low glycemic index, which helps regulate blood sugar levels
and can be advantageous for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to
manage their weight. Additionally, millets' high fibre content promotes
digestive health, aids in weight management by inducing a feeling of
fullness, and contributes to better heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a wide range of health
benefits, and their incorporation into diets can contribute to improved overall
well-being and sustainable food practices. Several nutritional and functional
properties of different millets are depicted in Table no. 1.
Market Size and Development
The millets market is expected to experience a Compound Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2022 to 2026. It is projected that the
global millets market will achieve sales exceeding USD 13,500 million
worldwide by the end of 2022.Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has
further accelerated the demand for nutritious, natural products, promoting
the growth of the ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat (RTC & RTE) product
segments.
In 2019, 2020, and 2021, global millet production was approximated at
28.4 million metric tonnes, 31.8 million metric tonnes, and 29.8 million
metric tonnes, respectively. India holds the position of the largest global

Page | 78
millet producer, commanding a significant 42% share of the global market.
Presently, over 50.0% of millet production is being directed towards
purposes beyond traditional staple consumption. Recognising the potential
for future growth in this sector, the Indian government has taken a proactive
step by offering support for millet-based food businesses.
The escalating demand for millets is generating a surge in business
prospects for entrepreneurs. In 2018, the millet market size exceeded USD 9
billion. It is anticipated to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) of over 4.5% during the forecast period of 2018-2025, with a
projected value surpassing USD 12 billion.
Millet Based Business Opportunities in India
In recent years, there has been a surge in business opportunities based
on millets in India. This is due to the growing awareness of the nutritional
value of millets and its potential to tackle various health and environmental
issues. Millets also offer a unique opportunity for farmers to diversify their
crop portfolio and enhance their income. The existing and potential
opportunities for millets are explained below.
Business Plan for Millet Seed Enterprises in India
Ensuring access to top-tier millet seeds becomes increasingly vital as
millet demand grows. India currently offers a diverse range of excellent
sorghum and pearl millet seeds, yet the potential for enhancing the
availability of lesser-known millet varieties remains substantial. The overall
productivity and effectiveness of millet cultivation stand to benefit
significantly from the adoption of premium-grade seeds from the lesser-
known millet category. Farmers also have the opportunity to participate in
the government's Seed Production Programme, contributing to the
enhancement of seed quality. The millet seed industry harbours vast
untapped potential (Anonymous, 2023).
Business Plan for Millets Aggregation in India
Another viable avenue for profiting from millets involves their storage
and bulk collection for distribution to grocery stores and the food industry.
Millets can be purchased in large quantities and stored in a warehouse,
enabling the food business to fulfill its needs promptly. Notably, millet
grains possess a distinctive quality: when stored appropriately, both the grain
and the husk can retain their viability for an extended period.
Millet Farming and Production
The foundation of any millet-based business venture is millet farming.

Page | 79
Millets like finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), and sorghum (jowar)
are well-suited to India's diverse agro-climatic conditions. Entrepreneurs can
consider:
a) Organic Millet Farming: The demand for organic millets is on the
rise both domestically and internationally. Cultivating organic
millets can be a profitable venture.
b) Contract Farming: Collaborating with food processing companies
or retailers for contract farming agreements can provide a stable
income source for farmers.
Millet Processing Units
Setting up millet processing units can add significant value to the crop.
Millet processing units can add value to millet grains by converting them
into various products. Processing units can ensure consistent quality and
safety standards for millet products, which is essential for building trust
among consumers. They can play a crucial role in enhancing millet-based
business opportunities by adding value to millet products, generating
employment, and expanding market reach. Opportunities include:
a) Millet Flour and Semolina Production: Milling millets into flour
and semolina for various culinary applications, such as rotis, dosas,
and snacks.
b) Millet-Based Snacks: Producing snacks like millet chips, puffed
millet, and millet-based energy bars to cater to health-conscious
consumers.
Value-Added Products
Value-added products of millets encompass a diverse range, including
millet-based flour blends, ready-to-eat snacks, breakfast cereals, and even
specialised millet-based beverages. These offerings not only retain the
inherent health advantages of millets, such as their rich fibre content, gluten-
free nature, and high mineral and antioxidant levels, but also add an element
of convenience to modern dietary preferences.
This surge in value-added millet products not only signifies a shift
towards healthier eating habits but also presents a compelling economic
opportunity for entrepreneurs and farmers alike, positioning millets as a
cornerstone of sustainable agribusiness in India.
Shelf-life enhancement technologies
Enhancing the shelf life of millet-based food products is essential to

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increase business opportunities and meet consumer demands. Here are some
shelf-life enhancement technologies and strategies:
• Pretreatments
• Packaging
• Application of TBHQ (Tertiary Butyl hydroquinone)
• Millet primary processing
Millet-Based Food Products
Millet-based food products are increasingly popular among health-
conscious consumers.
i) Beverages:
a) Millet Lassi: Production of millet lassi, a traditional Indian
curd-based drink, can be reinvented using millets as a base
ingredient. Millet lassi is not only a refreshing and cooling
beverage, but it also provides the goodness of millets, known
for their health benefits. With increasing awareness about the
nutritional value of millets and a growing interest in diverse,
sustainable, and healthy food options, entrepreneurs can
establish millet lassi brands that cater to a wide range of
consumers, from fitness enthusiasts to those seeking a
wholesome and tasty beverage option.
b) Malts: Malts made from millets offer a nutritious alternative to
traditional malted beverages. They are rich in essential
vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, making them a popular
choice among health-conscious consumers.
ii) Instant Mix: The emergence of millet-based instant mixes
represents a significant and promising avenue for entrepreneurs and
food enthusiasts alike. These innovative products cater to the
growing demand for healthier and more diverse food options while
harnessing the nutritional benefits of millets. Examples such as
Sorghum Upma Mix, Sorghum Pongal Mix, Millet Laddu Mix,
Millet Idli Mix, Khichdi Mix, and Dosa Mix showcase the
versatility and adaptability of millets in various traditional and
contemporary Indian dishes. These convenient, ready-to-cook
mixes not only save time in the kitchen but also contribute to
improved nutrition and sustainability, making them a lucrative
venture in the evolving Indian food market.

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 iii) Flaking: Millet flakes, made from different varieties of millets like
pearl millet, foxtail millet, and finger millet, offer a nutritious and
gluten-free alternative to conventional cereals. These flakes are not
only versatile for breakfast but also serve as a crucial ingredient in
various snack and bakery products. Furthermore, millet-based
muesli, enriched with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, provides a
wholesome and convenient breakfast option.
iv) Puffing: Millet based puffing has emerged as a promising avenue
for entrepreneurs in India, showcasing the vast array of business
opportunities within the millet industry. These wholesome and
nutritious puffs offer a healthier alternative to conventional snacks
while tapping into the growing health-conscious consumer base.
Examples are jowar puff, ragi puff, Bajra puff, multigrain puff, etc.
Millet Bakery Business in India
In today's market, the majority of biscuits are produced using refined
grains (Maida). However, choosing biscuits made from millets can offer a
healthier alternative for your well-being. With increasing health-
consciousness, individuals are increasingly turning to millet-based cakes to
celebrate special occasions such as birthdays. Opting for those made with
millets can indeed represent a healthier choice. Products like cookies, cakes,
bread/bun, pizza base, bread mix and cake mix can be prepared using millets
as base and it can provide huge agribusiness opportunity to the agripreneurs
to earn a good income. One of India's top producers of FMCG food goods,
Bonn Group of Industries, has introduced millet bread along with other
baked items in its category, such as millet pizza and millet burger (Bureau,
2023).
Millet Retail and E-Commerce
Retailing millet-based products is another viable business option.
Entrepreneurs can set up dedicated millet stores or incorporate millet
products into existing grocery stores. Online platforms also offer an
excellent avenue for selling millet-based products, as they allow access to a
wider customer base. Creating awareness about the nutritional benefits of
millets and offering competitive pricing can help in establishing a loyal
customer base.
Millet Based Livestock Feed
Millet-based livestock feed production is a growing sector within the
agricultural industry. Millets are not only suitable for human consumption

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but also serve as an excellent source of fodder for livestock. Entrepreneurs
can venture into millet-based animal feed production, catering to the needs
of dairy farmers, poultry farms, and other livestock enterprises. This not only
contributes to the sustainability of the livestock industry but also ensures the
efficient utilisation of millet crops.
Millets Based Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements
Millets are abundant in important micronutrients such as iron, calcium,
and magnesium, which are often lacking in traditional Indian diets.
Incorporating millet-based products into the daily diet can help combat
malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations like children and
pregnant women. Extract millets' bioactive compounds and nutrients to
create nutraceutical products like millets-based capsules, tablets, or powders.
These can be marketed as supplements for various health benefits, such as
diabetes management, weight loss, and improved digestion. Millets are rich
in dietary fibre, which can be used to create supplements aimed at promoting
digestive health and managing weight.
The Export prospects of Millet-Based Businesses
India holds the distinction of being the leading producer of millets
globally, and there exists a substantial international demand for these
nutritious grains. In 2020, the potential export destinations for Indian millets
included countries such as Indonesia, Austria, the Netherlands, the
Philippines, and New Zealand. India's millet exports stood at 24.5 million
dollars in the fiscal year 2017-18, increased to 25.76 million dollars in 2018-
19, and amounted to 21.05 million dollars during the period of April to
December in 2019-20. According to statistics from 2020, India is currently
the fifth largest exporter of millets in the world, with exports rising steadily
at a CAGR of about 3% during the previous five years ending with 2020
(PIB, 2022).
APEDA, the Union Ministry of Commerce’s top agricultural export
promotion agency, has formulated a roadmap to support the export of millet
from India as from December 2022. India’s missions abroad will play a role
in the branding and promotion of Indian millet. They will also work with
international chefs and potential customers such as departmental stores,
supermarket chains and hypermarkets to set up B2B meetings and direct
connections. The government of India has come up with a plan to promote
Indian millets export by engaging exporters, farmers and traders in 16
International Trade Expositions and Buyer Seller Meetings (BSMs).

Page | 83
 Millet and its value-added products will be featured at global trade fairs
such as Gulfood 2023 (Gulfood), Foodex (Foodex), Food & Hotel Show
(Seoul Food & Hotel Show), Saudi Agro Food (Agro Food), Fine Food
Show (Sydney, Australia), Food & Beverages (Belgium), BioFach
(Germany), Anuga Food Fair (Anuga, Germany), Winter Fancy Food Show
(San Francisco, USA), and others. These events will enable a wide range of
participants from the Indian millet sector to participate in major food
exhibitions, meetings between buyers and sellers, and roadshows (GK
Today, 2022). To succeed in the millet export industry, it's essential to focus
on quality, food safety, and adherence to international standards and
regulations.
Concerns and Challenges in the Way of Millet Mainstreaming in India
1) Millet mainstreaming in India has gained momentum in recent years
due to its nutritional benefits, climate resilience, and potential for
sustainable agriculture. However, there are several concerns and
challenges that need to be addressed for millets to become a staple
crop and a significant part of the Indian diet. Here are some key
concerns and challenges:
2) The limited awareness regarding the advantages of millets
contributes to the relatively small number of individuals or
organisations engaged in the development of value-added millet
products in India.
3) The decrease in production is due to a variety of factors, including a
lack of adequate remuneration, the lack of input subsidies or price
promotions, the subsidisation of refined cereal products through the
PDS, changes in consumer tastes, and a decrease in demand.
4) Reduced demand further results in constrained supply and elevated
prices.
5) Due to the lack of adequate market connections for forest and
agricultural products, millet consumption is confined to rural
markets, local bazaars, tourist destinations, and festival occasions.
6) Many people are not familiar with how to process and cook millets.
Promoting easy-to-follow recipes and cooking methods can help
overcome this challenge.
7) Lack of adequate infrastructure for processing and value addition of
millets.
8) Lack of effective marketing and branding strategies are needed to
make millet-based products.

Page | 84
Government Efforts to Promote Millet Mainstreaming
Government policies regarding nutrition security are undergoing a
transformation. Various government programmes are now seeking to
incorporate millets as supplements alongside other products. We are at the
forefront of this millet movement within the country, collaborating with
individuals from NGOs, the public sector, and private enterprises such as
ITC and 24 Mantra to promote millet consumption and integration.As part of
the government's innovative promotion of millets, it has named millets Shree
Anna, which roughly translates to blessed food.
1) In April 2018, the Union Agriculture Ministry declared millets to be
"Nutri-cereals" due to their high nutritional value and potential anti-
diabetic benefits.
2) The Union Government of India has requested the United Nations
to recognise 2023 as the International Year of Milk (IASM) with
the aim of transforming it into a national movement in order to
promote the acceptance of Indian Millets, recipes, and value-added
products around the world.
3) The Centre's Millet Mission will be to create farm-gate processing,
empower farmers through collectives, and focus on adding value
and bringing the produce together.
4) Millets are supported through the implementation of technology, the
provision of high-quality seeds through the establishment of millet
seed centres, the promotion of awareness, the implementation of
minimum support price, and the inclusion of millets in the public
distribution system.
5) Substantial efforts are being made to incorporate the nutrient-dense
smaller millets into the Mid-day Meal Programmes in Government
and Government-Aided Schools in the State of Karnataka and the
State of Telangana.
6) The MoFPI has given the go-ahead for the production linked
incentive scheme for the food processing industry specifically for
millet-based products. The scheme will run from 2022-23 till 2026-
27 and the total amount allocated is Rs. 800crore.
7) Millets are one of the food items that are covered by the Women
and Child Development Department of the government of India,
which is part of the Poshan Abhiyan.
8) The government of India has increased the minimum support price
of millet to encourage farmers to produce it.

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Public Awareness and Education
To harness the potential of millets, there is a need to create widespread
awareness about the nutritional value, climate-resilience, and versatility of
millets. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns,
workshops, and educational programmes that target both rural and urban
communities. By enlightening farmers about the benefits of millet cultivation
and providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources, we can
foster a millet-based agricultural sector.
Furthermore, educating consumers about the health benefits of
incorporating millets into their diets and showcasing innovative millet-based
products can stimulate demand and create a robust market for millet-based
businesses.
Millet festivals are held all over the country to encourage people to eat
millets. Millet festivals feature different types of millet dishes and products.
They also provide an opportunity for farmers, chefs and consumers to meet
each other and learn more about millets.
Conclusion
The resurgence of millets in India presents a range of exciting business
opportunities, from farming and processing to innovative food products and
exports. Entrepreneurs and farmers alike can tap into this trend, not only for
financial gain but also for contributing to the health and sustainability of
Indian agriculture. Research and development in millet-based products offer
exciting prospects. Innovations in millet processing techniques, packaging,
and product development can open up new avenues for entrepreneurs. There
is a need for better infrastructure and processing facilities for millets.
Government policies and subsidies should be in place to encourage millet
cultivation. Foods that are rich in fibre, protein, and minerals are in demand.
Products made from millet provide a new market in the food sector since
proteins are readily available. Because it has such good impacts on human
health when ingested, millet is regarded as a superfood. A production facility
for millet-based products is inexpensive and simple to set up. As a result,
starting a millet-based food company is a very successful and profitable
business enterprise.
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