A Review on Millet Cultivation in India: Soil, Climate, and Productivity Perspectives

Abstract

Millets—comprising major millets (sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet) and a diverse set of small millets—are increasingly recognised in India as strategic crops for nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agriculture. Yet, despite their ecological hardiness and cultural embeddedness, millet productivity remains constrained by interacting soil limitations, rainfall variability, suboptimal agronomy, and uneven access to improved cultivars and markets. This review synthesises contemporary evidence on the soil, climate and productivity dimensions of millet cultivation in India, with emphasis on rainfed agro-ecosystems where millets predominate. Across regions, millet performance is shaped by inherently low soil organic carbon, widespread macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, and degraded physical structure in marginal lands, often intensified by limited organic inputs and low fertiliser use. Climatic exposure—particularly erratic monsoon onset, extended dry spells, and episodic heat stress—drives large year-to-year yield variability and reinforces risk-averse management. Advances in integrated nutrient management, land and water conservation, and targeted breeding for drought and heat adaptation have demonstrated potential to raise yields while sustaining soil health. This review highlights emerging systems approaches, including millet-based agroforestry and diversified rotations, that align livelihood goals with soil restoration and climate adaptation. Finally, policy and institutional developments supporting millet revival are assessed in relation to on-farm constraints, value-chain barriers and evidence needs for equitable scaling.