Factors contributing to Global Millet Market Growth|Food Research Lab
                     What factors contribute 
to the growth of the 
millet market globally? 
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, 
FoodResearchLab
Group: www.foodresearchlab.com
Email: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
• Millets refer to a diverse group of small-grained cereals and were among the world’s 
oldest cultivated crops.
• They are primarily grown in Asian and African countries, with India being the largest 
producer, followed by Nigeria, Niger, and China.
• They are a traditional crop in parts of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. 
• They are highly resil ient and can withstand harsh environmental conditions [1].
• Millets can be grouped as major millets, which include Sorghum (jowar) and pearl 
millet (bajra), minor millets, which include fi nger millet (ragi) and small millets 
(Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet and Proso millet)[ 2]. 
Factors driving the growth of the millet market 
The global market for millets was valued at 9.95 bil l ion US dollars and is expected to 
reach 14.14 bil l ion US dollars by 2028 at a rate of 4.49% Compound Annual Growth 
Rate (CAGR). The factors that contribute to the growth are as follows
Initiatives by national and international organisations 
• The United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Mil lets. 
• The governments of many countries are also observing the International Year of 
Mil lets 2023, along with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), wherein 
awareness would be created and increase the production and consumption of 
millets [1]. 
CONTD...
Lack of resources to cultivate wheat and rice 
• The cultivation of wheat and rice is resource intensive and 
depends on the availability of labour, capital, energy and 
water.
• These are not available in abundance in South Asian 
countries.
• The lack of underground water, soil fertility, land 
availability and frequent storms further aggravate the 
issue.
• Millets can grow under extreme conditions and can 
compensate for the lack of production of wheat and rice [3]. 
CONTD...
Rising health awareness 
• Consumers are gaining awareness regarding the 
health benefi ts of millet, which is rich in 
resistant starch, B vitamins, iron and calcium.
• In addition, millets contain antioxidants, which 
are implicated in preventing and managing 
lifestyle-related disorders l ike obesity, diabetes 
and hypertension [4]. 
• An increasing number of individuals suff er from 
gluten sensitivity, which causes celiac disease. 
Millets are the best option for such people since 
they are g0lut6en-free.
 
• Millets ca0n 7be consumed as cereals, bread, and 
pancakes [5]. 
CONTD...
The rise of E-Commerce 
• With an increase in the number of smartphone users, the avenues for e-commerce 
have been opened, and many industries can place their products with discounts 
that attract consumers.
• The food industries developing millet food products can also off er incentives for 
consumers, which acts as a factor for growth [ 3]. 
Innovations in the Food product development 
• The food industry has become aware of the consumers’ inclination towards natural 
and organic products, and there have been studies on using millet as an 
ingredient 0to6 formulate various innovative millet based food products l ike baked 
food, snacks, granola and muesli.   
07

CONCLUSION
• The global millet market has experienced signifi cant growth, fuelled by factors 
like initiatives by national and international organisations, sustainabil ity, 
increasing consumer awareness, the rise of e-commerce platforms and the 
development of innovative products where millets can be consumed in forms 
other than hot cereals
HOW THE FOOD RESEARCH LAB CAN HELP 
• We have a team of experts who help develop food, beverage, nutraceutical and 
cosmeceutical products.
•  We begin the process after conducting market and consumer research, which helps our 
clients make informed decisions regarding product development.
• Our expert team has assisted in formulating nutritious and delectable products using 
millets l ike millet laddoo and ready-to-cook products that can be prepared quickly.
•  In addition, we also assist with food industry certifi cations and provide labell ing 
services, ensuring the product formulated meets the regulatory specifi cations, 
guaranteeing its success.  
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