The Agricultural and Processed Exports Development Authority (APEDA), based on input from exporters, reported that sales of millets, both domestically and internationally, have increased by approximately 30% since the designation of the International Year of Millets in 2023. The prominence of millet goods in supermarkets has also expanded, as has knowledge of millets and their products. Also, they reported that because of the government’s ongoing efforts, millet goods, which were previously difficult for them to market, are now in high demand from clients, according to APEDA.
Over the past few years, millet and millet-based goods have seen an increase in exports. Over 1.29 lakh tonnes, worth $434 million, of millets and millet-based products, were shipped in 2019–20. Over 1.59 lakh tonnes of goods, valued at 480 crores in 2021–2022, have been produced. The United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of 2023 as the International Year of has contributed to an 8% growth in exports from $443 million in 2020–21 to $480 million in 2021–22.
Millets.
India’s millet exports are seen rising further in the current financial year. “The proclamation of the International Year of Millets 2023 is largely recognized as a tremendous booster to popularise Shree Anna products abroad. This financial year, our exports are expected to increase by close to $100 million, and we will double our exports by 2024-25,” said APEDA Chairman M Angamuthu. APEDA has identified 30plus potential markets, a range of products, and possible sourcing points to boost the shipments.
The past few years have seen an increase in millet production in India, helping to meet the rising demand. According to APEDA, which used FAO statistics, millet production grew from roughly 10.25 million tonnes (mt) in 2019–20 to 13.21 mt in 2020–21. “Our producing base spans the deep South and the Himalayan region. There are many different products available, and there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Angamuthu stated, “We will incorporate Indian millets as a component of international cuisine including all stakeholders.
