Abstract
Millets are small grains, normally referred to as “inferior goods” in the classification of goods, under microeconomics. Across South East Asia and Africa, it has been a staple food for ages. In India, since ancient times, millets have been cultivated and consumed but are not as popular as rice and wheat. In April 2018, India declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets. The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. India is already among the five largest economies in the world. India is predicted to be the third fastest-growing economy by 2030. As we embark on to 2024, India has to achieve the dream of a $5 trillion economy and ensure self-sufficiency in the production of food grains. Through the rapid pace of innovation and ideation, and by ensuring food availability, India can achieve a higher growth trajectory. The demographic dividend, digital prowess and the renewed focus on “Millets production” will help India to achieve the goals of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. This article is an attempt to understand that “encouragement to millet production and consumption” can lead to multifarious gains. Hence, to achieve the goals of sustainable development, it is imperative that healthy and cost-effective crops are encouraged.
Introduction
A millet revolution seems to be on the anvil in India. The revolution is for the revival of millets—a group of coarse grain crops (also known as inferior grains) to super grains or “shree anna.” It is being scripted by the rediscovery of the pro-climate, pro-agriculture, and pro-health benefits that these coarse grain crops offer. As such, this revolution has global implications, including the furtherance of sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Millet has been deeply ingrained in India’s traditional culture and cuisine. Many Indian ancient practices related to the cultivation and consumption of millet have been passed down from generation to generation. However, these have eroded in recent history due to changes in agricultural practices and a shift in consumer preferences toward more processed and refined foods. Within just 50 years of the Green Revolution of the mid-1960s that brought about a dramatic increase in the production of fine grains, viz., wheat and rice in India, millets lost their importance in the agricultural economy of India. Land area under their cultivation and annual production more than halved. The food grain composition of the Indian consumption basket was radically modified. Millet consumption reduced from 32.9 kg to merely 4.2 kg per capita per annum (
In this short economic policy roundup, we delineate the evolution describing prime concerns impinging upon the millet revolution, develop a nonagonal benefit framework, and propose a heptagonal package of policy incentives for expediting the millet revolution.
The Evolution of Revolution
Historically, while there is no denying the fact that the Green Revolution helped in meeting challenges of economic security as well as food security, at the same time, however, it eroded the productive capacity of mother earth and hence triggered the newer challenge of the century, that is, “economic and ecological sustainability.” Rising salinity, lowering of water beds, expansion of dry lands, and poor nutritional status became issues of concern regarding soil and crop quality, climate change, and public health.
Keeping in view climatic and nutritional challenges, there has been a renewed interest in reviving traditional millet cultivation and consumption practices across India. In April 2018, India declared 2018 as the “National Year of Millets.” Subsequently, with efforts of India and more than 70 other countries, the UN General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organized an opening ceremony at Rome to herald the 2023—the International Year of Millets. With millets now coined as “nutri-cereals” or “shree anna,” the efforts will be put in to promote public awareness on the health profile of millets and their aptness for cultivation under tough conditions resulting from climate change.
Meanwhile, India took over G-20 Presidency and made every effort to popularize and promote India as a hub of millets. Millets became an integral part of the articulation of the G-20 theme—One Earth, one family, one future. These are featured in G-20 meetings and food stalls. The G-20 delegates met farmers, start-up entrepreneurs, and food production organisations to explore avenues for business and trade. India is well placed to raise output and drive exports to tap into a growing global market. India produces more than 170 lakh tons (80 percent of Asia’s and 20 percent of global production) of millets. India is eyeing the global millet market, which is growing at a CAGR of 4.5 percent from 2021 to 2028. Thus, India is scripting a millet revolution of sorts.
Toward a Better Future
Millets are being hailed for their panacea impact on the economic, social, and climatic challenges confronting the world. Thus, they are being viewed as major contributors toward the attainment of SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land). Presented hereunder is a nonagonal description of the likely payoffs from the millet revolution.
Eliminate Hunger
India is the most populous country in the world accounting for a quarter of the world’s hungry people and is also home to more than 190 million undernourished people. Poverty is still high. As per the Global Nutrition Report (2022), India still has 34.7 percent under-five stunting and 17.3 percent under-five wasting and 53 percent anemic women in the reproductive age group. Wheat and rice are the major staple crops consumed across India, but the production of only wheat and rice will not be sufficient to achieve our zero-hunger goal. Adding millet to the diet can help to resolve hunger with lesser cost and effort as millet releases sugar very slowly in comparison to rice and wheat, and it dissolves with blood after a long time of eating, so one will not get hungry frequently. It will also help in addressing the problem of obesity.
Empower Small and Marginal Farmers
Agriculture and allied sectors are the largest source of livelihoods in India where 70 percent of rural households depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihood. Millets are typically planted as “catch crops,” having less strict needs than other crops in terms of soil fertility, alkalinity, water content, and temperature. Therefore, becoming more suitable for small and marginal farmers, who cannot afford much and are often more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Increased production, processing, and distribution of millet-based food products will increase the scope for improved and stable income for small and marginal farmers, and generate employment opportunities for rural households.
Ensure Food Adequacy to Cash on the Demographic Dividend
From the Thomas Malthus (1798) theory, linking population growth and food supply to India entering the phase of “Demographic Dividend” in 2018—the dependence of economic growth on food supply and population growth is still valid. India’s phase of “demographic dividend” is going to last till 2055. It is a phase when the working population is larger than its dependent population (children 14 years or below and population above 65 years). Meanwhile, the pandemic has further wreaked havoc by all possible means, and every nation is weakened economically. At this juncture, economic growth and employment generation are huge challenges. India’s strategy to promote millet will help in meeting the twin goals of employment generation and food adequacy.
Strengthening Food Security
India is the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and groundnuts and the largest producer of milk. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, the government provides food and nutritional security to the poor. The provisions of the Act entitle subsidized food grains coverage up to 75 percent of the rural population and up to 50 percent of the urban population. The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 kg of food grains per person per month. The NFSA also has a special focus on nutritional support for women and children. Under the Antodaya Anna Yojana, the poorest of the poor are entitled to receive 35 kg of food grains per household per month. Being a cheap and rich source of nutrients, millet can be included as part of the food security program and further strengthen its outcomes.
Enhanced Nutritional Status
Millets are three to five times more nutritious than wheat and rice in terms of dietary carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which can help to combat cardiovascular diseases, anemia, calcium deficiency, etc. India, being the diabetes capital of the world, can reduce the risk of diabetes by encouraging the consumption of millet as it is a source of complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, gluten-free and helps in a slower release of glucose over a longer time period. Further, its consumption can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for 27 percent of deaths in India.
India also has the highest number of new cases of tuberculosis (TB) globally. In a recent study by the Lancet Global Health and the ICMR-supported RATIONS trial found that the high cases of TB and deaths can be reduced to a great extent by guaranteeing nutritional components (10 kg food basket comprising of rice, dal, and multivitamin pills) in addition to the routine treatment process. Millets can be a good source of nutrition and are cheaper in comparison to other food grains. Hence, it can be included in the food basket in the TB eradication treatment.
Employment Generation due to Value-added Industry
Factories producing millet-based products such as chips, papads, sattu, badi, and bakeries can be important sources of employment generation and the betterment of living standards of people. Such products are not only healthy but can also be good substitutes for calorie-high products available in the market. The government policy of promoting “vocal for local” can be applied to such industries. Further, subsidies and marketing assistance can ensure a good future for all.
Deals with the Rising Concerns on Global Warming and Heatwaves: Sustainable Agriculture
Millets need 70 percent less water compared to rice, wheat, etc. Hence, it can help as an alternative crop when there is a water crisis. Unlike others, millets are hardy crops which can withstand the extremities of weather (up to 60 degrees Celsius). Around the world, global warming and rising temperatures are a great concern. Extreme heat, rain deficiency, and other uncertainties pose challenges for cultivation and harvesting. As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Sixth Assessment Report (2022), heat waves and humid heat stress will be more intense and frequent in South Asia this century. This will have serious consequences—rising sea levels to rising temperatures—mankind has to bear all in terms of deaths, lost work, spoiled crop and vegetation, scarcity of water and energy supplies, and so on. To quote, WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas, “The extreme heat in India and Pakistan is consistent with what we expect in a changing climate. Heatwaves are more frequent and more intense and starting earlier than in the past.” Understanding that the climate crisis is a major challenge, adoption of the due practices is a serious matter now. Crops like millets can be great savior for mankind in manifold ways.
Reduces Subsidy Burden of the Government
Every year, the government spends a whopping amount on subsidies for food, seeds, and fertilizers under its different schemes. Further, due to inclement weather and unfavorable market conditions, the government has to support farmers; hence, the burden has an impact on the finances of the government. Not only do these subsidies pose a huge burden on the exchequer but they can also lead to distortions in the market, which can have negative economic, social, and environmental impacts. Since these crops are deeply rooted, require less use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water, it can be a good savior for both the farmers and the government as exchequer.
Protects Biodiversity and Meeting SDGs
SDGs 2030 aim at the protection of the planet through the adoption of measures to restore nature’s ecological balance. The fact that millet is a highly adaptable and low-input farming crop can increase the profitability of millet farming, correcting for negative economic, social, and environmental impacts. This can help to create a more sustainable and resilient food system in India. The International Year of Millets 2023 aims to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 15 (life on land).
Conclusions
India has taken rapid strides in food production, from the days of food shortage to the present-day food sufficiency. The 1960s heralded the onset of the “Green Revolution,” and after that India never looked back. The successive governments, both at the center and in the states, carried out food schemes to combat poverty. India has moved from being an importer of food grains to an exporter of food grains. While science and technology aided this progress, the launch of economic reforms spearheaded the journey of progress. Food, being the primary necessity of man, the availability and adequacy of it ensured the demand for secondary and tertiary sector products. Hence, economic growth is possible when the demand for goods and services is generated, and factors of production are employed. India is well placed to raise output and drive exports to tap into a growing global market. India produces more than 170 lakh tons (80 percent of Asia’s and 20 percent of global production) of millets. The global millets market was valued at $9.95 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $14.14 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.5 percent from 2021 to 2028. As part of its commitment to the International Year of Millets campaign, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the production, consumption, and marketing of millets in the country. As we embark on 2024, India has to achieve the dream of a $5 trillion economy and carve out its leadership role in the world. To quote Walt Disney “All our dreams can come true, if we dare to pursue them.” The last many years have been full of uncertainty, from COVID-19 to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War, the West Asian crisis, and the trade wars have affected the growth of countries. Prime Minister Modi has rightly asserted that the four castes of India are: women, youth, farmers, and the poor. Through a rapid pace of innovation and ideation, and by ensuring food availability for these, India can surely script a journey on a higher growth trajectory. For sure, India is on the path from a developing to a developed country, and achieving food sufficiency ensures that the goal is achievable. The renewed focus on “millets production” will help India to achieve the goals of “Viksit Bharat” and the status of a “developed country.”
Policy Recommendations
Given the potential benefits of millets and India’s commitment to propagate their production, international trade, and consumption, a heptagonal policy framework is proposed as follows.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: To achieve the objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, India needs to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of food grains. The adoption of the Green Revolution in the 1960s has helped in meeting the challenge of economic security as well as food security. However, the Green Revolution led to the increased productivity of wheat and rice. Other crops, like millet, need to be encouraged to expand the food basket of India. There is a possibility of augmenting production in the short run by improving productivity without increasing the area by introducing and popularizing new varieties, boosting the distribution of certified seeds, and improving crop management practices. Promotion and marketing of millets through social media initiatives: Although the seeds of change have begun to sprout, there are many issues to be tackled. The misconception that millets are eaten only by the needy and destitute must be changed through celebrity awareness efforts, social media initiatives, and marketing. One needs to get the support of the urban consumer so that millets have their rightful place on the plate. Organizing food shows showcasing millet-based food items can be a good step. Fiscal incentives like subsidies, lower taxes and production-linked incentives to farmers: Since agriculture and allied sectors are the largest source of livelihoods in India, the promotion of millet production through subsidies and other incentives can have an encouraging effect. Millets as part of the public distribution system: Being a cheap and rich source of nutrients, millets can be included as part of the food security program. This can help the government to not only tide over both short-run shortages of food grains but also the pressure of inflation. The creation of food Bank: To counter poverty and hunger, local bodies can set up food banks, where food grains/food can be stored for distribution. India produces more than 170 lakh tons (80 percent of Asia’s and 20 percent of global production) of millets. Millets as part of diet prescribed for hospitals and nursing homes: The government can under its health policy advice the intake of millets as part of the diet for patients. Millet products for exports and employment generation: Fiscal and monetary incentives for export promotion can be a good source for the creation of employment. India can earn revenues from exporting millet products.
Footnotes
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Funding
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.