Pearl Millet Production, Growth Trend and Effect on Indian Economy: Performance Analysis

The Indian economy is also known as agro-economy and highly depends on the agriculture sector. Agriculture sector plays vital role in the Indian economy over 70% population of the country depend on agriculture. India is the largest producer country of millets in the world. India produced 20% of the global millet production and 80% contribution to Asias millet production. Millets provide a wider food security to millions of households and contribute to the economy efficiency of farming. Millets are widely grown in up to 21 states in the county. The major role in millet production plays by Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. In India millets are cultivated in an area of 91,63,000 ha, producing 12.84 M metric tons with a yield of 1510 kg per ha. Sorghum is the fourth most important food grain in India after rice, Wheat and Maize. six states namely Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana grown for more than 79.6% production in total millet production. In which Rajasthan Singly contributes 31.3% of the total millet production. India is the topmost producer of Barnyard (99.9%), Finger (53.3%), Kodo (100%), Little (100%) and Pearl (44.5%), producing 12.46 million metric tons from an area of 8.87 million ha. Pearl millet and sorghum are the important millets and constitutes the largest share in India's total production of millets. This article will examine pearl millet production and agronomic issues and future prospects, and research and development challenges.