Assessing the growth trends and fluctuations in the area, yield and production of minor millets in India

India is leading the growth of main crops such as rice and wheat and the development of minor millets with better nutritional value has been neglected. This research utilised secondary data obtained from different government publications and Internet properties. This research comprises 4 time periods, 1950-51 to 2021-22. Compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) were used to examine trends, illustrating a continuing decline in land area provided to minor millet farming, with an overall negative CAGR of -3.64 %. Production followed a similar decreasing trend, with a negative CAGR of -2.88 %, indicating a significant decrease in overall output throughout the years. In contrast, productivity fluctuated, resulting in an overall positive CAGR of 0.78 %, indicating a moderate development in yield per unit area. The instability indices revealed an increasing trend in the area, production and productivity challenges. These findings highlight the need to encourage sustainable farming and to develop knowledge about the nutritional advantages of small millets. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders in shaping the future of minor millet cultivation in India.