Millet market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The Indian millet market expanded from 10.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 13.1 million tonnes in 2020. This growth was initially propelled by the government's declaration of 2018 as the National Year of Millets and the introduction of higher Minimum Support Prices, which encouraged farmers to increase cultivation. The trend continued into 2020, where a consumer shift towards health foods during the COVID-19 pandemic bolstered demand, even as the virus caused some disruptions in supply chains.

After a contraction to 11.8 million tonnes in 2021, the market recovered to 12.3 million tonnes in 2022. This rebound was directly supported by the launch of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products and the inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System, which increased state procurement and stimulated value-added production.

Market volume climbed further to 12.8 million tonnes in 2023, aided by the global spotlight of the International Year of Millets, which boosted awareness and promotional activities. The period also saw significant entry of new players like Britannia, ITC, and Nestlé, who launched dedicated millet-based products, catering to the rising consumer preference for gluten-free and organic foods.

Production millet in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India was the world's largest producer of millet.

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

India's millet production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 13 208 thousand tonnes of millet, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 13.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 236 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year of 12.0%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2019, when production jumped by 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, India's millet output was valued at 4 310 million US dollars, a decrease of 9.1% compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production increased by 19.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was seen in 2018 at 3 291 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 9.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 742 million US dollars, when the value surged by 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports millet from India

Exports in kind, t

India's millet exports grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 76 481 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 1.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 5%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India's millet export destinations were quite diverse. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 16.8% of exports by volume, Nepal for 13.8%, and Saudi Arabia for 13.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.9% of total export flows, indicating a broad partner portfolio.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, India's millet export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 24 956 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 12.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 10.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 491 thousand US dollars, when exports saw the largest increase of 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan were the top buyers of Indian millet by value, accounting for 14.9%, 11.5%, and 11.1% of exports, respectively. However, their combined share was just 37.5% of total export value, reflecting a diversified country structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports millet to India

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.5 times. In 2020, India imported 114 tonnes of millet, a sharp increase of 110.4% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 41.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for India's millet imports by volume were Australia, Libya, and Japan. Australia contributed 23.6% of imports, Libya 15.7%, and Japan 14.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 53.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. The lowest import value was in 2017, and the highest in 2020, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.1 times. In 2020, India imported millet worth 64 thousand US dollars, representing a steep year-on-year rise of 123.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when import value dropped by 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, Belgium, and Libya formed the core of India's millet imports by value. Australia accounted for 24.3% of imports, Belgium for 19.6%, and Libya for 12.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 56.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020