Millets in Chhattisgarh: From Forgotten Grain to Future Opportunity

Abstract

Millets are not new to India’s agricultural landscape — the country has long been the world’s largest producer of millets, accounting for around 38–40 % of global output according to Food and Agriculture Organization estimates and national production statistics. In 2024-25, India produced approximately 180.15 lakh tonnes of millets, an increase from previous years, with bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum) and ragi (finger millet) dominating production. Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka were the top producers, reflecting regional specialization in different millet types (Press Information Bureau).