Millet market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market in Western Asia expanded significantly from 112 353 tons in 2018 to 137 399 tons in 2020. This growth was propelled by government initiatives, particularly India's declaration of 2018 as the National Year of Millets, which recognized millets as nutri-cereals and included them in nutrition missions to boost domestic demand. Continued policy support in 2019 and 2020, including subsidies and mechanization grants, further stimulated production and market linkages, even as local production fluctuated and imports rose to meet consumption needs.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume adjusted to 131 360 tons in 2021 and stabilized at 131 159 tons in 2022. The correction coincided with India's strengthened position as a leading global exporter, which may have influenced trade flows. During this period, the emergence of new millet-based segments, such as gluten-free and health-oriented foods, supported by rising consumer health consciousness, helped maintain market stability despite production variances.

The market rebounded in 2023, growing 7.3% to 140 779 tons, driven by the International Year of Millets and aggressive government policies that embedded millet in public distribution systems and introduced over 100 new varieties. In 2024, new support measures like the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products in India and the launch of millet-based products by major companies like Marico and Ramoji Group underscored sustained momentum for millet cultivation and innovation.

Production millet in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

In 2019, Western Asia produced 74,984 tonnes of millet, marking the highest output during this period. However, production dropped significantly to 65,256 tonnes in 2020, representing a 13.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the broader trend from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 4.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 60,249 tonnes. The most substantial year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, with production surging by 24.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports millet from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for millet from Western Asia showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2,165 tonnes, but rebounded sharply to 4,718 tonnes in 2020, representing a 118.0% increase from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2017. The overall fluctuation between the peak and trough years showed a 2.8-fold difference. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with exports falling by 40.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Western Asia's millet exports were distributed across a wide range of trading partners. Libya accounted for 4.1% of exports, Indonesia for 2.9%, and Morocco for 2.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 9.5% of total export flows, while the remaining 90.5% was spread across numerous other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of millet exports from Western Asia experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their highest value in 2018 at $5,840,000, but dropped to their lowest point in 2019 at $2,842,000, representing a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export value rebounded to $5,477,000, marking a substantial 92.7% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with export value falling by 51.3%.

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

The structure of millet export values from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diversified partner landscape. Indonesia accounted for 4.6% of export value, Libya for 4.5%, and Morocco for 2.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented just 11.9% of total export value, while the remaining 88.1% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports millet to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

Millet imports into Western Asia grew for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 76,862 tonnes. This represents a dramatic 30.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 55,736 tonnes, which also saw the most significant decline of 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the leading supplier of millet to Western Asia, accounting for 31.0% of imports. Russia followed with 23.4%, and Ukraine with 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 60.7% of total millet imports into the region.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of millet imports into Western Asia continued to grow for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching $26,461,000. This represents a robust 15.7% increase from the previous year. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 28.2%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at $20,335,000, which also saw a decline of 1.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India remained the primary supplier of millet to Western Asia in value terms, accounting for 32.7% of imports. Russia followed with 18.4%, and the United States with 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 58.2% of the total value of millet imports into the region.

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

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