Millets production in India supports food security, rural income and climate resilience. India is the largest producer of millets in the world according to APEDA. India contributes about 38.4 percent of global millet output. These grains grow in semi-arid regions and depend on low water. This makes millets useful for farmers in drought-prone zones.
This article covers the top ten millets producing states in India, state-wise lists, production statistics, key crops, percentage share.
Based on available data, the approximate share of each state in millet production in India is listed below.
| State | Percentage | Main Millets Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | 31 | Pearl millet and sorghum |
| Maharashtra | 16 | Jowar and bajra |
| Karnataka | 15 | Ragi |
| Uttar Pradesh | 14 | Bajra |
| Gujarat | 9 | Bajra |
| Madhya Pradesh | 8 | Kodo millet and little millet |
| Tamil Nadu | 4 | Ragi and thinai |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3 | Ragi and sama |
| Uttarakhand | 1.5 | Barnyard millet |
| Haryana | 1.2 | Bajra |
India’s Position in Global Millet Production
India is the largest producer of millets in the world according to APEDA. India contributes close to 38.4 percent of global production. India produces about 15.38 million tonnes of millets every year.
Millet of India includes pearl millet, sorghum, finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and little millet. These grains have higher protein, fibre and minerals compared to rice and wheat. They grow in dry soils and tolerate heat better. This strengthens India’s food system.
India has grown millets for many years. Demand for millet foods increased due to health awareness. Government support has improved production. Many states focus on improving yields, building processing units and creating export opportunities. Millets producing states in India now include regions that earlier depended on rice and wheat. This shift supports nutrition and climate resilience.
Why Millet Production in India Is Important
Millets require less water. They grow in dry areas and help farmers reduce crop loss. They fit well in low-rainfall states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Most millet producing states in India depend on monsoon. Millets grow even with limited rainfall. They also support soil health because they need fewer chemical inputs.
Millets offer diverse uses. They are used for flour, porridge, snacks, drinks and bakery items. Food companies promote them as healthy foods. This created new demand. Farmers in major millets producing states in India earn steady income from these crops. Government programs link farmers to markets. This helps build long-term production.
Top 10 Millet Producing States in India
Below is the state-wise list of millets producing states in India based on available data. Each state summary includes production volume, percentage share, key millet types and data sources.
1. Rajasthan
Rajasthan produces about 48.09 lakh tonnes of millets according to Indiatlas. Dry climate and sandy soil help strong output. Pearl millet and sorghum remain the main crops grown across large areas every year.
Rajasthan contributes nearly one-third of India’s bajra production. This makes it the largest producer of bajra in India. Farmers depend on monsoon, so millets reduce climate risk. Bajra fields stretch across western and central districts with stable production.
Demand for bajra flour rises due to nutrition awareness. Rajasthan holds the highest percentage share among millet producing states in India. Large cultivation area, suitable climate and strong local consumption support consistent annual millet production.
2. Maharashtra
Maharashtra produces about 25.58 lakh tonnes of millets according to TractorsDekho. It contributes nearly 40 percent of India’s sorghum according to Scribd. It also grows pearl millet and finger millet.
Marathwada and Vidarbha rely on millets due to rainfall uncertainty. Sorghum remains central to rural diets. Farmers maintain traditional millet systems that suit dryland farming and support stable yields even in low-rainfall years.
Government programs support processing units that help value-added millet products reach cities. Maharashtra holds a strong percentage share in millet production in India and remains one of the major millets producing states.
2. Maharashtra
Maharashtra produces about 25.58 lakh tonnes of millets according to TractorsDekho. It contributes nearly 40 percent of India’s sorghum according to Scribd. It also grows pearl millet and finger millet.
Marathwada and Vidarbha rely on millets due to rainfall uncertainty. Sorghum remains central to rural diets. Farmers maintain traditional millet systems that suit dryland farming and support stable yields even in low-rainfall years.
Government programs support processing units that help value-added millet products reach cities. Maharashtra holds a strong percentage share in millet production in India and remains one of the major millets producing states.
3. Karnataka
Karnataka produces about 22.79 lakh tonnes according to TractorsDekho. It leads finger millet production in India. Southern districts specialise in ragi and also grow foxtail and other small millets.
Ragi forms part of everyday meals in Karnataka. This consistent demand supports farmers with reliable income. Climate conditions support stable millet cultivation across rural districts, which helps maintain long-term production.
Research centres improve seed quality and productivity. These efforts strengthen Karnataka’s position among millet producing states in India. The state holds a strong percentage share through a mix of production, consumption and research support.
4. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh produces about 21.58 lakh tonnes of millets according to TractorsDekho. Western UP grows pearl millet and sorghum. Soil and climate support high bajra yields.
Farmers use millets to reduce climate risk and stabilise household income. Western districts maintain strong cultivation due to demand from local markets. Production remains steady across regions that prefer bajra as part of daily meals.
UP benefits from proximity to large markets like Delhi and Haryana. This supports faster distribution and strong price discovery. The state holds a significant percentage share among major millet producing states in India.
5. Gujarat
Gujarat produces about 13.48 lakh tonnes of millets. Pearl millet is the main millet grown across dry and semi-arid zones. Climate supports high bajra output.
Bajra flour demand grows due to nutrition awareness. Tribal districts grow small millets for local consumption. Gujarat maintains steady harvests across semi-arid regions and continues to expand its millet market.
Export infrastructure supports millet-based product movement to other countries. Gujarat holds a strong percentage share among millet producing states in India and remains a major supplier in domestic and export segments.
6. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh produces about 12.68 lakh tonnes of millets. The state grows small millets, pearl millet and sorghum. Large dryland regions support wide cultivation across tribal and rural areas every year.
Tribal communities grow kodo and kutki. These small millets attract higher prices in niche markets. Farmers rely on traditional knowledge to maintain steady production. Many districts continue to expand millet acreage due to low water needs and reliable yields.
MP needs stronger processing infrastructure for cleaning, grading and value addition. Government support improves storage and market access. The state holds a meaningful percentage share among millet producing states in India and plays a key role in small millet supply.
7. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu produces strong quantities of ragi and small millets according to IBEF. Finger millet remains dominant across multiple districts. The state also grows foxtail millet and little millet in different agro-climatic zones.
Ragi is part of daily meals in many households. This stable local demand supports consistent production across farming communities. Farmers rely on familiar cultivation methods and use millets to reduce climate risk in low-rainfall regions.
Tamil Nadu invests in processing facilities that produce flour, mixes and snacks. These value-added products increase farmer incomes. The state maintains a solid percentage share among ragi producing states in India and supports long-term millet growth.
8. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh grows foxtail millet, little millet and ragi. These crops support agriculture in drought-prone areas. Farmers depend on millets when rainfall varies. Production remains steady across multiple districts.
Millet-based foods gain popularity across the state. Companies produce snacks, flour and ready mixes sourced from local farmers. Rising demand increases cultivation incentives. Many regions use millets for crop rotation to maintain soil strength.
Government programs offer training, seeds and support services to farmers. These initiatives strengthen yields and market access. Andhra Pradesh holds a steady percentage share among millet producing states in India and continues to grow its small millet segment.
9. Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand grows barnyard millet and finger millet . Hill regions suit small millets due to cooler climate and terraced fields. Production remains steady across high-altitude zones.
Farmers rely on traditional millet systems with low chemical use. These grains support nutrition in remote villages. Demand for hill millets rises due to higher mineral content and organic cultivation practices followed in many regions.
High-altitude climate produces unique grain density and flavour. Premium markets pay higher prices for Uttarakhand millets. The state holds a modest percentage share but remains important among small millet producing states in India.
10. Haryana
Haryana focuses mainly on pearl millet. Dry regions and sandy soils support strong bajra growth. Mechanised farming improves grain quality and increases efficiency across major districts.
Government procurement programs support farmers with fixed prices. These systems ensure stable income and encourage continued bajra cultivation. Rural households depend on bajra for food security in many parts of the state.
Haryana holds a smaller percentage share among millet producing states in India, but strong market access and modern farming practices help maintain steady production. Its contribution remains important to overall bajra supply.
Government Policies and Support to Millet Producer in india
State governments promote millet farming through dedicated missions. These missions focus on seed supply, training and cluster based farming. Several states work with FPOs to improve farmer income through direct procurement and market links.
National programmes support millet cultivation. The government declared a Millet Year earlier, which boosted awareness across India. Schemes support irrigation, soil testing and promotion through trade fairs.
Support also includes:
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Minimum Support Price for key millet varieties.
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New procurement points in high production districts.
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Training for farmers to shift from low yielding cereals.
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Partnerships with NGOs to build local processing units.
Challenges in Millet Production In India
Millet production faces steady challenges. Awareness remains low outside specific regions. Many farmers prefer rice or wheat because procurement is predictable in these crops. Market infrastructure for millets is still limited in several states.
Key challenges include:
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Weak demand in rural markets.
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Irregular procurement leading to unpredictable income.
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Low processing capacity near farms.
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Strong competition from rice and wheat in public distribution systems.
Future Outlook
Millet demand is expected to grow in the coming years. Food brands add new millet based items each year to meet rising interest. Startups in health food and nutrition use millets for gluten free and low glycemic products. This creates more value for farmers.
Areas with growth potential include:
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Processing units in top producing states.
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Value added foods like millet snacks and ready mixes.
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Export opportunities for premium varieties.
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New agri startups that support contract farming.
Farmers in semi arid regions gain from this shift. Millets use less water compared to major cereals. This supports sustainable agriculture and improves long term income stability.
FAQ's
Which country is the largest producer of millets in the world?
India is the largest producer of millets in the world. The country grows a wide range of millet varieties across different climatic zones. Production is supported by strong domestic demand, traditional practices and government programmes. India supplies millet exports to Africa, Asia and Europe due to high output and reliable supply chains.
Which state is the largest producer of millets in India?
India’s major millet producing states include Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttarakhand. These states grow different varieties such as bajra, jowar, ragi, foxtail, little millet and barnyard millet. Production strength depends on local climate, soil type and traditional farming systems.
Which state is the largest producer of bajra in India?
Rajasthan ranks at the top in bajra production. The state produces the largest share due to wide rainfed farmlands and hardy bajra hybrids suited for low rainfall. Districts such as Alwar, Bikaner, Barmer, Jaipur and Nagaur contribute the most. High temperature and sandy soil help maintain strong yields in most years.
Which are the main ragi producing states in India?
Karnataka leads ragi production. Farmers in Mandya, Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Kolar districts grow large volumes of ragi. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh follow with production from districts like Dharmapuri, Salem and Chittoor. These states support ragi farming through local demand and state-level millet missions.
Which are the main ragi producing states in India?
Karnataka leads ragi production. Farmers in Mandya, Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Kolar districts grow large volumes of ragi. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh follow with production from districts like Dharmapuri, Salem and Chittoor. These states support ragi farming through local demand and state-level millet missions.
