In 2021, India with the support of 72 countries piloted the proposal in the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This recognition will raise the profile of bajra, drawing on its high nutritional value and low-environmental footprints. Millets require much less water and fertilisers. They are drought-resistant and can grow in temperatures as high as 46°C. Their nutritional value, and that they are grown in 130 countries including India, the US, China, Argentina, Nigeria and Sudan, gives it an edge over other grains especially with supply disruptions due to Covid and the war in Ukraine. As a major producer, with 41% of global production, India should be able to leverage the increased interest among foreign buyers. Despite steady growth in production, in 2021-22, production was at 15.92 million metric tonnes, a 27% increase over the previous year, only 1% of harvested millets were exported.
GoI and agriculture agencies need to work with farmers or farm producer organisations to tap this emerging market. India must focus its efforts on introducing standards, increased R&D for improving strains of millets and use. This will help increase export potential. Millets also provide an avenue for collaborative action. India’s proposal for G20 to set up the International Millet Initiative for Research and Awareness is a good move.