Growth and instability of area, production and productivity of millets in India

The present study analyses the trends in area, production and productivity of millets in India, along with their instability, due to the Green Revolution focus on rice and wheat. Millets-essential to India's agricultural legacy have lost ground under cultivation, which has a negative impact on food security and farmer livelihoods in semi-arid areas. Using time-series data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), this study examines the rise and instability in millet cultivation, production, and productivity throughout India from 2003-04 to 2022-23 in order to better understand these dynamics. To evaluate trends and variability, the experimental method makes use of statistical techniques such as the Cuddy-Della Valle Index and the Compound Annual Growth Rate. Results show that the area under cultivation has decreased by 8.71%, with losses of 24.78%, 52.28%, and 38.33% recorded in states like as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, respectively. Despite this, a 22.33% gain in productivity drove an 11.75% increase in production, indicating a transition to yield-driven growth. While Maharashtra and Karnataka saw a fall in production, states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh had increases of 163.22% and 178.67%, respectively. With Andhra Pradesh leading the way at 88.40%, productivity increased dramatically; yet, regional differences were evident due to high levels of instability in states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. With steady trends in area, production, and yield, millet farming showed little instability on a national level. In order to stabilize millet production, take advantage of its nutritional andclimatic resilience, and guarantee economic and food security in millet-dependent regions, the study comes to the conclusion that focused policy interventions, sustainable farming methods, and increased assistance for farmers are essential.