India’s millet revolution: Powering the world’s superfood future

Millets, cultivated in India for thousands of years and once the cornerstone of its agrarian heritage, are now poised to become the world’s next superfood.

Producing nearly 20% of global millets, India stands at the cusp of a US$ 40 billion gluten-free food market, projected to grow at 8–10% annually by 2033, according to industry forecasts. Nutritious, climate-resilient, and naturally gluten-free, millets offer a sustainable solution to global health and environmental challenges. But can India, with its rich millet legacy, brand these grains as the healthiest choice on the global stage and capture a significant share of this booming market? With Strategic branding, innovation, and investment, the answer is a resounding yes.

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Millets are powerhouses of nutrition. They are 100% naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for the rising number of consumers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. With 1.5–2 times the protein, up to 20 times the fiber, and significantly higher iron and calcium content than rice—the current top gluten-free grain—millets offer unparalleled health benefits. Their low glycemic index makes them a go-to choice for managing diabetes and supporting weight loss, addressing global health challenges like obesity and heart disease.

Beyond nutrition, millets are climate-smart. They require 70-80% less water than rice, thrive in arid conditions, and need minimal fertilizers or pesticides, making them drought-resistant and environmentally sustainable. As climate change disrupts agriculture with erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, millets’ resilience positions them as a future-proof crop. India’s leadership in millet production, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, gives it a unique opportunity to leverage these grains for both economic and environmental impact.

The global gluten-free market is currently dominated by rice and corn, but millets are gaining traction as health-conscious consumers in the United States, Europe, and beyond seek sustainable alternatives. If India captures just 5% of the  US$ 40 billion gluten-free market, it could generate  US$ 2 billion in annual exports. A 20% share would yield US$ 8 billion, rivaling India’s largest agricultural export segments. This economic upside could transform rural India, creating jobs, boosting farmer incomes, and positioning millets as a global health solution.

India’s historical connection to millets, cultivated since the Indus Valley Civilization, adds cultural weight to its claim as the world’s millet hub. The United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, championed by India, has already elevated global awareness, fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Challenges to overcome

Despite their potential, millets face challenges. Historically, they were sidelined as “coarse grains” after the Green Revolution prioritized rice and wheat. Today, millets constitute only 5–6% of India’s food basket, down from 40% before the 1960s. Consumer perceptions that millets are less tasty or harder to process, coupled with limited shelf life and high prices for processed products, have slowed adoption. Additionally, millet farming remains traditional in many regions, leading to lower yields compared to modernized crops.

To overcome these hurdles, India must address supply chain gaps, improve processing techniques, and enhance market access. Farmers need better seeds, training, and incentives to scale production, while consumers require education on millets’ benefits and versatile culinary applications.

To firmly position millets as the world’s next super grain, India can adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Global Branding: “Indian Millets Super Grains”: India should launch a unified global brand to market millets as premium, sustainable superfoods, akin to quinoa’s rise. Highlighting their gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and eco-friendly qualities can appeal to health-conscious consumers in high-income markets like the US and Europe.
2. Value-Added Exports: Focusing on processed products like millet flours, cereals, snack bars, and ready-to-eat meals can tap into global demand. Companies like ITC, Nestlé, and Britannia are already innovating with millet-based products, from biscuits to noodles. Export initiatives, backed by the US$ 500,000 grant to the FAO and the Production-Linked Incentive scheme, can further scale these efforts.
3. Quality Certification and Traceability: Establishing robust quality certification and farmer-to-brand supply chains will build trust in international markets. Partnerships with institutions like the Indian Institute of Millets Research can ensure high-yielding, pest-resistant varieties and standardized processing.
4. Incentivizing Innovation : Supporting startups and FMCG companies to develop innovative millet-based products is critical. Programs like the National Food Security Mission and Poshan Abhiyaan are already promoting millet cultivation and consumption, but more investment in R&D and culinary innovation can drive mainstream adoption.
5. Consumer Awareness and Culinary Integration : Millet-based dishes, from dosas to waffles, are gaining popularity in restaurants and households. Campaigns like ITC’s “Mission Millet” and food festivals showcasing millet recipes can educate consumers and integrate millets into diverse cuisines.

The Path forward

India’s millet revolution is already underway. The government’s inclusion of millets in the Public Distribution System  and the Indian Army’s adoption of millet flour in rations signal strong domestic commitment. Globally, India’s G20 Presidency and initiatives like MAHARISHI have positioned millets as a solution to food security and sustainability.

To make millets the world’s next super grain, India must act boldly. By combining aggressive branding, export-focused innovation, and farmer-centric policies, India can transform millets from a traditional staple into a global sensation. The upside— US$ 2–8 billion in exports, rural prosperity, and a healthier planet—makes this a mission worth pursuing. Millets are not just India’s heritage; they are the world’s future.