**Executive Summary**
The document is a response to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha regarding the promotion of millets in India, scheduled for December 16, 2025. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare provides details on government initiatives to promote millet cultivation, processing, and consumption across the country. Key actions include targeted interventions across the value chain, support through the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), and financial assistance to startups.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Government Initiatives:**
* The Government of India has undertaken a series of targeted interventions across the millet value chain.
* **International Year of Millets:**
* The UN declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets following a proposal by India.
* India hosted the Global Millets Conference in March 2023 in New Delhi.
* **Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals (NFSNM):**
* The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals under NFSNM in 28 States and 2 Union Territories.
* NFSNM provides assistance to farmers through States/UTs, including demonstration of technologies, certified seed distribution, and capacity building.
* **Variety Release and Seed Production:**
* 110 Millet varieties have been released by the Central Variety Release Committee.
* 2588 Qtl. of Breeder seeds of various millets have been produced during last 3 years (2022-25).
* **Recognition and Research:**
* ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad has been recognized as a "Global Centre of Excellence on Millets".
* The "Millets And other Ancient GRains International ReSearcH Initiative (MAHARISHI)" has been adopted since the G20 Presidency.
* **Financial Support and Incentives:**
* The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) launched the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) with a financial outlay of ₹800 crore.
* Financial support is provided to startups under the "Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development" programme.
* **Export Promotion:**
* The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has undertaken initiatives to facilitate millet exports.
* **Integration into Nutrition Programs:**
* Millets have been integrated into major national nutrition and welfare programs.
* The Ministry of Food and Public Distribution has revised procurement guidelines for greater inclusion of millets.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers:**
* **Impact:** Farmers benefit from increased cultivation and productivity of millets through NFSNM, leading to potentially higher incomes.
* **Action Required:** Farmers should participate in demonstrations of technologies, utilize certified seeds, and engage in capacity-building programs offered under NFSNM.
**Food Processing Units, Start-ups, and Exporters:**
* **Impact:** These entities are incentivized to engage in millet-based products, potentially leading to increased business and export opportunities.
* **Action Required:** These stakeholders should explore and apply for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) and other forms of financial support.
**Consumers:**
* **Impact:** Consumers benefit from increased availability and awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of millets.
* **Action Required:** Consumers should increase their consumption of millet-based products to improve nutrition.
**States/UTs:**
* **Impact:** States/UTs are given flexibility to identify districts for implementation of components of the Mission. Allocation is given by the Government of India to the States/UTs.
* **Action Required:** Prioritize districts with low productivity but high potential.
Key Entities Referenced
National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM): A program under which a Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals is implemented to increase the cultivation and productivity of millets in 28 States and 2 Union Territories.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The ministry responsible for promoting millet cultivation, processing, and consumption across the country.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad: Recognized as a "Global Centre of Excellence on Millets" to strengthen research collaboration and public awareness of millets.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP): A scheme launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to promote the use of millets in food products and encourage value addition.
Uttar Pradesh: A state where district-wise data on millet area, productivity and seed availability is maintained. Specifically mentioned due to Bulandshahr district within.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2579
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16TH DECEMBER, 2025
PROMOTION OF MILLETS
2579. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB:
SHRI TAPIR GAO:
SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL:
SHRI PRAVEEN PATEL:
DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:
SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL:
SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ:
DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY:
SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI:
SHRI ALOK SHARMA:
SMT. MAHIMA KUMARI MEWAR:
SHRI AVIMANYU SETHI:
SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:
DR. BHOLA SINGH:
SHRI GODAM NAGESH:
SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR:
DR. RAJESH MISHRA:
SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken steps to promote the cultivation, processing and
consumption of millets in the country;
(b) if so, the details of quality seed production for Millets, certified seed distribution,
research and extension activities undertaken by ICAR and State Agricultural Universities
during the last three years;
(c) whether the Government maintains district-wise data on millet area, productivity and
seed availability, including in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh;
(d) the programmes being implemented to support farmers adopting climate-resilient millet
varieties;
(e) the steps taken to expand value-addition, FPO support and market linkages for millet
growers to enhance farm incomes nationwide; and
(f) the details of the research and extension activities carried out by the Government for
promotion of Millets in the country, State-wise including Rajasthan?ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)
(a) to (f): To promote millet cultivation, processing and consumption across the country,
and to incentivize food processing units, start-ups, and exporters engaged in millet-based
products, the Government of India has undertaken a series of targeted interventions across
the value chain.
Following a proposal by India, backed by more than 70 countries, the United Nations
General Assembly, at its 75th session in March 2021, declared 2023 as the International
Year of Millets. The year-long celebration successfully raised awareness about the
nutritional and health benefits of millet consumption, the suitability of millets for cultivation
under adverse and changing climatic conditions, and the benefits of creating sustainable
market opportunities for producers and consumers.
India organised the two-day Global Millets Conference in March 2023 in New Delhi
bringing together participants from more than 102 countries. The global conference,
dedicated to the IYM 2023, facilitated discourse on important issues related to millets which
included its production and consumption, nutritional benefits, value chain development,
market linkages, and research and development.
To increase the cultivation and productivity of millets (Shree Anna), the Department
of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals under
the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) in the 28 States including Uttar
Pradesh & Rajasthan and 2 Union Territories (UTs).
Under NFSNM, assistance is being provided to the farmers, through the States/UTs,
for demonstration on crop production & protection technologies, for distribution of certified
seeds, for production of certified seeds (nutri-cereals), for Integrated Nutrient and Pest
Management measures, for capacity building of farmers through cropping system-based
trainings etc.; and seed minikits of newly released varieties/hybrids (nutri-cereals), are also
distributed through the states by agencies. The mission also provides support to Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)/Krishi
Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for technology back stopping and transfer of technology to the
farmer under supervision of Subject Matter Specialists/Scientists.Latest climate-resilient varieties or hybrids that are resistant to insects, pests, and
diseases, as well as short and medium duration that outperform existing prominent varieties
are promoted under NFSNM.
Flexibility has been given to States/UTs to identify districts for implementation of
different components of the Mission, subject to inter alia conditions that prioritize districts
with low productivity but high potential.
The area, production and productivity of nutri-cereals (millets) of the districts of Uttar
Pradesh, including in Bulandshahr is Annexed. The allocation (central and state share)
under NFSNM–Shree Anna for the States of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh during 2025-26
is Rs. 11729.80 lakhs and Rs. 5499.50 lakhs, respectively.
In recent years, 110 Millets varieties have been released by Central Variety Release
Committee (CVRC) comprising 34 of Sorghum, 24 of Pearl Millet; 10 of Little Millet, 6 of
Proso Millet, 5 of Barnyard Millet, 4 of Kodo Millet, 8 of Foxtail Millet, 17 of Finger Millet and
2 of Brown Top Millet for cultivation in different agro-ecologies of country. Besides, a total of
2588 Qtl. of Breeder seeds of various millets have been produced during last 3 year (2022-
25) against the indent of 1290 quintals for further seed multiplication. A total of 40 millet
varieties comprising 9 of Sorghum, 13 of Pearl Millet, 3 of Little Millet, 5 of Kodo Millet, 1 of
Barnyard Millet, 1 of Foxtail Millet and 8 of Finger Millet have been developed and released
during 2014-25 for cultivation on farmers field under drought/moisture stress tolerant/water
stress/ low rainfall areas.
The Government of India has recognized the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets
Research (IIMR), Hyderabad as “Global Centre of Excellence on Millets”. To strengthen the
research collaboration and public awareness of millets globally, a new initiative viz., “Millets
And otHer Ancient GRains International ReSearcH Initiative (MAHARISHI) has been
adopted since the G20 Presidency.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has launched the Production
Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP), for the period from 2022-23
to 2026-27 with a financial outlay of ₹800 crore. The scheme aims to promote the use of
millets in food products and encourage value addition by providing incentives for the
manufacturing of selected millet based products and supporting their sale in both domestic
and export markets.
To facilitate the export of millets and millet-based products, the Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has undertaken several
initiatives, including capacity-building programmes, virtual buyer-seller meets, globalmarketing campaigns, and the development of a dedicated millet web portal and
ecatalogues. It has also established an Export Promotion Forum (EPF) and is actively
collaborating with start-ups, research institutions, and international agencies to strengthen
the export ecosystem for millets.
In addition, assistance is being extended to start-ups engaged in the development of
value-added millet products, particularly in the Ready-to-Cook (RTC) and Ready-to-Eat
(RTE) segments. Start-ups in the food sector are being mobilized to drive innovation and
commercialisation in this area. To further facilitate trade and traceability, separate
Harmonized System (HS) codes have been introduced for millets and their value-added
products. Under the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” programme,
financial support upto Rs. 5 lakhs are provided at the idea/pre seed stage and upto Rs. 25
lakhs at the seed stage to entrepreneurs/ startups in agriculture & allied sector based on
the recommendation given by the Selection and Investment Committee (SIC). Trainings,
Technical and financial assistance is provided to startups to launch their products, services,
business platforms, etc. in the market and facilitate them to scale up their products and
operations to attain business viability.
Millets have also been integrated in major national nutrition and welfare
programmes. Under the Poshan Abhiyan of the Ministry of Women and Child Development,
millets are being promoted for their nutritional benefits. Furthermore, the Ministry of Food
and Public Distribution has revised its procurement guidelines to ensure greater inclusion of
millets under schemes such as the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated
Child Development Services (ICDS), and the Mid-Day Meal scheme, thereby increasing
millet consumption among vulnerable populations.Annexure
Area, production and productivity of nutri-cereals (millets) of the districts of
Uttar Pradesh, including in Bulandshahr.
S.No. Districts Area (ha) Production (tonnes) Yield (kg/ha)
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
1. Agra 124830.42 322879.98 2587
2. Aligarh 85439.10 223374.99 2614
3. Ambedkar Nagar 1380.15 2206.68 1599
4. Amethi 7679.00 12498.71 1628
5. Amroha 3624.51 4446.32 1227
6. Auraiya 36539.42 89315.32 2444
7. Ayodhya 3231.23 5151.55 1594
8. Azamgarh 174.91 351.42 2009
9. Baghpat 658.07 1419.50 2157
10. Bahraich 81.88 144.16 1761
11. Ballia 3932.23 7422.31 1888
12. Balrampur 4.99 7.98 1600
13. Banda 46463.28 77317.92 1664
14. Barabanki 3186.58 5423.17 1702
15. Bareilly 14183.68 26772.57 1888
16. Basti 26.79 23.74 886
17. Bhadohi 12368.47 18346.46 1483
18. Budaun 108235.32 187098.46 1729
19. Bulandshahr 13737.65 30897.08 2249
20. Chandauli 8771.16 10709.91 1221
21. Chitrakoot 46329.86 62168.99 1342
22. Deoria 298.51 540.14 1809
23. Etah 49416.96 123106.23 2491
24. Etawah 42223.55 124988.36 2960
25. Farrukhabad 10185.60 16846.57 1654
26. Fatehpur 25651.46 32217.28 1256
27. Firozabad 80704.19 221200.61 2741
28. Gautam Buddha Nagar 3170.45 5658.03 1785
29. Ghaziabad 277.04 600.21 2167
30. Ghazipur 20542.98 23314.70 1135
31. Gorakhpur 70.61 85.54 1211
32. Hamirpur 11368.97 21303.56 1874
33. Hapur 3.00 6.50 2167
34. Hardoi 10457.37 17946.83 1716
35. Hathras 49513.99 132017.85 2666
36. Jalaun 42559.75 72031.46 1692
37. Jaunpur 11526.08 13257.61 1150
38. Jhansi 2332.12 4406.60 1890
39. Kannauj 5372.20 10753.37 2002
40. Kanpur Dehat 42031.58 86752.77 2064
41. Kanpur Nagar 27122.90 48002.14 1770
42. Kasganj 43267.01 101530.94 2347S.No. Districts Area (ha) Production (tonnes) Yield (kg/ha)
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
43. Kaushambi 21984.40 23575.70 1072
44. Kheri 641.77 1141.76 1779
45. Kushi Nagar 112.02 243.36 2173
46. Lucknow 2973.66 4458.00 1499
47. Mahoba 8960.47 14671.80 1637
48. Mainpuri 19956.75 53765.36 2694
49. Mathura 45049.21 111449.57 2474
50. Mau 1928.23 4177.13 2166
51. Meerut 29.00 62.84 2167
52. Mirzapur 21321.63 35834.00 1681
53. Moradabad 3618.32 4781.23 1321
54. Pilibhit 1.00 1.72 1725
55. Pratapgarh 17430.20 12869.20 738
56. Prayagraj 38996.33 29255.63 750
57. Rae Bareli 9408.32 17352.85 1844
58. Rampur 4250.51 6237.89 1468
59. Saharanpur 2.00 4.35 2173
60. Sambhal 77818.26 136566.12 1755
61. Sant Kabeer Nagar 99.90 197.88 1981
62. Shahjahanpur 5442.83 6958.29 1278
63. Shravasti 40.01 86.91 2173
64. Siddharth Nagar 19.96 31.93 1600
65. Sitapur 8867.35 13612.76 1535
66. Sonbhadra 10214.35 12117.15 1186
67. Sultanpur 10621.85 16998.95 1600
68. Unnao 5894.83 9267.08 1572
69. Varanasi 11341.81 20788.03 1833
Source: UPAg
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