Dr. Manisha Gupta
Research Associate, RBI Chair Unit, , Department of Analytical and Applied Economics, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar
Abstract
Millets and sorghum are important climate-resilient crops that contribute significantly to food security, nutritional sustainability, and dryland agriculture in India. Despite their ecological and nutritional importance, the cultivation of these traditional coarse cereals has undergone major structural changes over time. The present study analyses the changing trends in millet and sorghum production in India during 1991-2024 using secondary data collected from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Statistics database. The study examines trends in production, area harvested, and yield through descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and Annual Growth Rate (AGR) analysis. The findings reveal that millet production in India has shown an overall increasing trend despite a decline in cultivated area, whereas sorghum production has generally declined throughout the study period. The area harvested under both crops exhibited a continuous downward trend due to crop substitution, urbanisation, and changing dietary patterns. However, productivity levels of millet and sorghum improved over time because of technological advancement, improved farming practices, and increasing awareness regarding climate-resilient agriculture. The study concludes that improvements in productivity have partially compensated for declining cultivated area and strengthened the role of these crops in sustainable agriculture and nutritional security. The study further suggests promoting awareness programmes, market support, and improved infrastructure for millet cultivation nationwide.
Keywords: Annual growth rate, Climate-resilient crops, Nutritional security, Sustainable farming
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER)

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Published on : 2026-05-20

Vol : 14
Issue : 5
Month : May
Year : 2026
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