<p>Millets, known as “Nutri-cereals” for their nutritional benefits, are small-grained cereals with the potential to contribute to food and nutritional security through increased cultivation. Despite being primarily grown in rainfed areas of India, their low productivity limits widespread adoption due to poor economic returns, a problem worsened by the global climate crisis. To gain a deeper understanding of the current status of millets in India, it is essential to examine the distribution of important millet species across the country. Additionally, evaluating existing millet-related policies can provide insights into their effectiveness and offer suggestions for their improved implementation. Furthermore, a critical analysis of nutrient management techniques for major millet species can provide valuable information for enhancing management practices and boosting productivity. In light of these considerations, the present study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of millet distribution, nutrient management strategies, and relevant policies in India. Analysis of data from Indian research articles highlighted millets’ resilience, particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions of India, showing their ability to withstand abiotic and biotic stressors and reduce carbon footprints. The study compared nutrient management practices-organic, integrated, and inorganic-and found the integrated approach to be the most effective for improving yield and soil health. Integrating nutrient management practices, including affordable and locally available organic nutrients, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers, can enhance grain quality, increase yields, and improve soil fertility. Although policies supporting millet cultivation are promising, challenges like inadequate infrastructure and fragmented markets hinder their effectiveness.</p>

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Millet cultivation in India: geographical distribution, nutrient management practices, and policy implications

  • Suhily Warisa,
  • Ajoy Debbarma,
  • Animekh Hazarika,
  • Arun Jyoti Nath

摘要

Millets, known as “Nutri-cereals” for their nutritional benefits, are small-grained cereals with the potential to contribute to food and nutritional security through increased cultivation. Despite being primarily grown in rainfed areas of India, their low productivity limits widespread adoption due to poor economic returns, a problem worsened by the global climate crisis. To gain a deeper understanding of the current status of millets in India, it is essential to examine the distribution of important millet species across the country. Additionally, evaluating existing millet-related policies can provide insights into their effectiveness and offer suggestions for their improved implementation. Furthermore, a critical analysis of nutrient management techniques for major millet species can provide valuable information for enhancing management practices and boosting productivity. In light of these considerations, the present study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of millet distribution, nutrient management strategies, and relevant policies in India. Analysis of data from Indian research articles highlighted millets’ resilience, particularly in the semi-arid and arid regions of India, showing their ability to withstand abiotic and biotic stressors and reduce carbon footprints. The study compared nutrient management practices-organic, integrated, and inorganic-and found the integrated approach to be the most effective for improving yield and soil health. Integrating nutrient management practices, including affordable and locally available organic nutrients, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers, can enhance grain quality, increase yields, and improve soil fertility. Although policies supporting millet cultivation are promising, challenges like inadequate infrastructure and fragmented markets hinder their effectiveness.