State Wise Millet Production In India

Millets are cereals just like rice and wheat however they are more nutritious when it’s about proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In India, they have been consumed for centuries and several initiatives regarding the millet have also been launched by the Indian government so as to promote the production of millet in India. The best thing about millets is that they are gluten-free in nature which makes them an ideal option for people having diabetes.

India’s major millets incorporate pearl millet, finger millet, and sorghum which are commonly known by the names of Bajra, Ragi, and Jowar. They are rich in iron, calcium, zinc, and other vital nutrients and have a high content of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, folic acid, and zinc.

State Wise Millets Production in India

If it’s about the production, then millet is grown in different parts of India serving as the vital staple food for the majority of population. Below we have compiled few state-wise millet productions in India that one can check:

Maharashtra

Maharashtra also holds the topmost position in millet production. The state is the major producer of bajra i.e., pearl millet and grows other millets too like sorghum (jowar) as well as finger millet (ragi).

They are grown in many regions within the state and play a crucial role in ensuring the state’s food security.

Karnataka

Another state that is popular for millet production is Karnataka and finger millet is the most commonly grown variety here. Some other millets that are grown in Karnataka incorporate foxtail millet (kangni) as well as pearl millet (bajra).

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu features different types of millet and finger millet being the most commonly grown millet in this state. Other millets like little millet (kutki), as well as pearl millet (bajra), are grown here too.

Millets are considered the traditional crop of this state as they provide nutritional benefits to millions of people.

Rajasthan

The second largest millet production state in India is Rajasthan with pearl millet the most commonly grown variety in this state. Sorghum (jowar), as well as finger millet (ragi), are grown here too.

The production of the state millets contributes to food security as well as livelihoods both for several rural communities.

Uttar Pradesh

Pearl millet (bajra) is commonly grown here; other millets like finger millet (ragi) as well as foxtail millet (kangni) are also grown in few parts of this state. In different areas of Uttar Pradesh millets are grown and play an imperative role in ensuring food security.

Suitable Climatic Conditions Required for Millets Cultivation in India

Do you know different varieties of millets demand different climatic conditions? Indeed, that’s true! So, let’s have a look at few of them:

• Millets need warm temperatures for the process of germination and development
• The growth of millet is sustained in the temperature range of around 20-30 degrees Celsius
• Some millets can be grown in a short duration and can be grown properly in areas where few crops struggle to grow well. If we talk about sorghum, then it can be cultivated easily in drought environments too due to its impressive water retention capacity.
• Few millets can grow well with little moisture too as they have effective water utilization abilities
• Around 8 varieties of millet are cultivated below rain-fed environments and require little to no irrigation. Jowar is one such example; grown in those areas where irrigation is barely needed.

Wrapping Up

In India, millet production benefits both farmers and consumers. The crop is quite nutritious which can enhance the well-being of small-scale farmers and also foster better nutrition among consumers.