Millets are known for their high nutrient content, including fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients, addressing malnutrition concerns and promoting overall health. The millets value chain encompasses various stages, including production, processing, marketing, and consumption. At every stage the value chain has diversified challenges such as climate change, market access barriers, knowledge gaps, limited infrastructure, and lack of standardized grading. To address these challenges there is need for holistic approach which can create a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that aligns with the goals of environmental conservation, economic development, and improved nutrition. At the production level, emphasis is placed on adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance yield while minimizing environmental impact. This involves promoting efficient water and resource management, incorporating organic farming methods, and leveraging innovative technologies. In the processing phase, value addition plays a crucial role in increasing the marketability of millet products. The development of processing units and the promotion of traditional and modern processing techniques contribute to the diversification of millet-based products, ranging from flours and cereals to snacks and beverages. This not only caters to consumer preferences but also creates income-generating opportunities for local communities. Marketing strategies focus on creating awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets and establishing market linkages between farmers, processors, and consumers. Strengthening these linkages ensures fair pricing, reduces post-harvest losses, and promotes a more inclusive and sustainable value chain. Furthermore, the adoption of millets in mainstream diets contributes to improved food security by diversifying the sources of nutrition. This review paper advocates for a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving farmers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to drive millets value chain development.

Millets value chain, Nutri cereals, Entrepreneurship development, Value addition, Policy interventions, Millets promotion

Hence the value chain in millets can be developed through a good balance among supply and demand factors of millets. The production and consumption of millets must be augmented with appropriate policy initiatives as a continuation of their efforts under INSIMP and NFSM. Consortium-mode research may be pursued for validation of highly productive technology under real farming situations. Effective deployment of trait-specific germplasm available in gene banks for genetic enhancement and evolving strategies for better seed production with public, private, and NGO partnerships and establishment of seed villages may be encouraged. Strengthening backward integration and linking farmers with markets through PPP initiatives contributes to the value chain development in millets.

Adupa Shanmuka and K. Shireesha (2023). An Overview on Value Chain Development in Millets. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 477-482.