Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat Lead in Millet Consumption

Maharashtra takes the lead in millet consumption across India, with residents consuming an average of 39 kg per month. Rajasthan follows with 33 kg per capita monthly, while Gujarat records 17 kg. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also show moderate consumption levels at 13.5 kg and 11.4 kg, respectively. Meanwhile, states like Uttarakhand (4.6 kg), Chhattisgarh (3.8 kg), Arunachal Pradesh (3.8 kg), and Telangana (3.2 kg) fall behind in millet consumption.

A study by the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, found that overall millet consumption remains relatively low. The study observed that 15% of urban and 22% of rural populations include millets in their regular diets, indicating significant room for growth. Based on data from ten states, the study estimated an average millet consumption of 13.57 kg per month across the nation. This average provides a benchmark to gauge how individual states fare in adopting millet into diets, revealing wide regional disparities.

Rural-Urban Consumption Patterns

According to B. Dayakar Rao, CEO of Nutrihub at IIMR, awareness of millets is widespread across India, especially in Central and Western states, where approximately 65–70% of people have consumed millets at least once. This trend is consistent across urban and rural areas, yet regular consumption remains low, especially among school students: only 27% report eating millets daily, while 25.76% consume them 2-3 times per week.

Rao, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for the National Millet Mission, highlighted the potential for increasing millet consumption, especially in states where it is currently low. He emphasized the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets, describing their climate resilience, lower water requirements, and reduced need for inputs compared to other grains. “Millet revival represents not only a trend toward healthier diets but also a shift toward sustainable farming that supports farmers’ livelihoods,” he stated.

Regional Variations in Millet Preferences

The study also revealed interesting regional variations in millet preferences, which Rao attributes to factors such as local agricultural practices, cultural food traditions, and the availability of millet products. Notably, about 50% of millets grown are used for domestic consumption or animal feed, underscoring their versatility. States with strong millet traditions have maintained steady consumption rates, while others may benefit from initiatives to boost millet intake for its nutritional and environmental advantages.

Conclusion

The renewed focus on millets presents an opportunity not only for better nutrition but also for sustainable agricultural practices that support climate resilience and farmer livelihoods. While some states, like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, have embraced millets as a dietary staple, there’s still untapped potential in other regions. With increasing awareness and targeted initiatives, India could further integrate millets into diets nationwide, enhancing both public health and environmental sustainability.





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