Millet

Global Millet Market to Reach US$49.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Millet estimated at US$38.1 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$49.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Pearl Millet, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.2% CAGR and reach US$18.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Finger Millet segment is estimated at 6.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$10.4 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.7% CAGR

The Millet market in the U.S. is estimated at US$10.4 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$9.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.1% and 4.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.7% CAGR.

Global Millet Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Millet and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?

Millet is a group of small-seeded cereal grains that belong to the Poaceae family and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Known for their high nutritional value, drought resistance, and ability to thrive in harsh climatic conditions, millets are an important food staple in regions such as Africa, India, and parts of Asia. The most commonly grown varieties include pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and barnyard millet, each offering unique health benefits and agricultural advantages.

The growing popularity of millet is primarily due to its high protein, fiber, and essential mineral content, making it a nutritious alternative to wheat and rice. With increasing awareness about gluten-free and whole grain diets, millet has become a preferred choice for consumers seeking healthier dietary options. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, promoting better digestion, heart health, and blood sugar regulation.

Millet is also attracting attention for its role in climate-smart agriculture. Unlike other staple grains, millet is highly resistant to drought, requires minimal water, and can grow in poor soil conditions. This makes it an ideal crop for regions facing water scarcity and soil degradation. As climate change threatens global food security, millet is being promoted as a sustainable crop that can support resilient food systems while reducing dependence on resource-intensive grains like rice and wheat.

How Are Technological Innovations Transforming Millet Cultivation and Processing?

The millet market is undergoing a transformation due to technological advancements in farming, processing, and value-added product development. One of the most significant innovations is the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, which use drones, satellite imaging, and AI-driven data analytics to optimize soil health, irrigation, and pest control in millet farming. These technologies are helping farmers improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and minimize environmental impact.

The development of improved millet varieties through biotechnology and selective breeding is another major breakthrough. Research institutes and agricultural organizations are working on hybrid and genetically improved millet strains that offer higher yields, improved pest resistance, and enhanced nutritional content. These advancements are helping boost production efficiency and make millet a more competitive alternative to conventional grains.

Post-harvest processing and value-added product innovations are also driving market expansion. Traditionally, millet has been consumed in whole grain form or as flour, but modern food technology is enabling the production of ready-to-eat millet products, breakfast cereals, snacks, pasta, and gluten-free baked goods. Companies are investing in milling, extrusion, and fortification techniques to improve the texture, shelf life, and nutritional profile of millet-based foods. These innovations are making millet more appealing to urban consumers and international markets.

Additionally, smart packaging and blockchain-based supply chain management are improving millet traceability, quality assurance, and market transparency. Blockchain technology allows consumers to track the origin of their millet products, ensuring organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade compliance, which is increasingly valued in global food markets.

What Are the Key Challenges Facing the Millet Industry?

Despite the growing demand for millet, the industry faces several challenges related to low productivity, limited awareness, processing difficulties, and market access constraints. One of the primary issues is the low yield potential of traditional millet varieties compared to wheat, rice, and maize. While millet is drought-resistant and hardy, it often produces lower grain output per hectare, making it less economically attractive for large-scale farmers. Investment in agronomic research, hybrid seed development, and improved farming techniques is crucial to addressing this challenge.

Another major hurdle is processing and storage limitations. Millet grains have a hard outer husk, which makes dehulling, milling, and refining more complex and costly compared to other cereals. The lack of efficient processing infrastructure in many millet-producing regions restricts market expansion and discourages farmers from growing the crop. Additionally, the short shelf life of processed millet flour poses challenges for distribution and export markets. Innovations in milling technology, grain preservation, and packaging solutions are needed to enhance supply chain efficiency.

Limited consumer awareness and market demand in some regions also hinder millet growth. While millet is widely consumed in Africa and South Asia, it remains underutilized in Western markets, where wheat, rice, and quinoa dominate the grain industry. Despite its health benefits, millet has yet to achieve widespread mainstream appeal due to lack of familiarity, cooking difficulties, and perception as a “poor man’s grain” in some cultures. Education campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and strategic branding efforts are necessary to increase millet’s market visibility and consumer acceptance.

Furthermore, government policies and trade barriers impact the millet industry’s growth potential. Unlike wheat and rice, which receive heavy subsidies in many countries, millet farmers often lack financial support, insurance coverage, and access to credit. Policies that promote millet as a climate-resilient crop, provide incentives for farmers, and support research and development could significantly boost production and global adoption.

What Are the Key Growth Drivers for the Millet Market?

The growth in the millet market is driven by rising health consciousness, growing demand for sustainable crops, expanding gluten-free food markets, and government initiatives promoting millet cultivation.

One of the primary growth drivers is the global shift toward healthier eating habits. Consumers are actively seeking whole grains, plant-based proteins, and functional foods, making millet an attractive choice due to its high fiber content, low glycemic index, and rich nutrient profile. As awareness of diabetes management, heart health, and gut-friendly foods increases, millet is gaining recognition as a superfood in global markets.

The rise of the gluten-free and plant-based food industries is another major factor fueling millet demand. With more people adopting gluten-free, vegan, and flexitarian diets, millet is being positioned as a natural, nutritious, and versatile ingredient. Food manufacturers are developing millet-based pasta, cereals, energy bars, and plant-based dairy alternatives, expanding its appeal among health-conscious consumers.

Governments and international organizations are also playing a crucial role in promoting millet cultivation. The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, highlighting its potential to improve global food security, support smallholder farmers, and combat climate change. Countries like India have launched initiatives to boost millet production, increase farmer incentives, and integrate millet into public food programs such as school meals and government ration supplies. These efforts are expected to drive both domestic consumption and export opportunities for millet-producing countries.

The expansion of export markets and international trade agreements is further boosting the millet industry. Demand for organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade grains is rising in regions like North America, Europe, and the Middle East, where consumers prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. Strengthening global supply chains, improving trade policies, and ensuring compliance with international food safety standards will be key to unlocking new market opportunities.

Additionally, the integration of millet into animal feed and biofuel production is opening up new revenue streams. With rising feed costs and sustainability concerns in livestock farming, millet is being explored as a cost-effective and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional grains in poultry, cattle, and aquaculture feed. Research is also underway to utilize millet biomass for renewable energy applications, further diversifying its market potential.

Conclusion

The millet market is witnessing strong growth due to increasing health awareness, sustainability concerns, and government support for climate-resilient agriculture. While challenges such as low yields, processing difficulties, and limited market awareness persist, ongoing investments in agricultural research, food technology, and consumer education are driving market expansion. As global food trends continue to shift toward healthier, gluten-free, and environmentally sustainable options, millet is well-positioned to become a staple grain for the future, offering both economic opportunities for farmers and nutritional benefits for consumers worldwide.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Millet market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Pearl Millet, Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Proso Millet, Other Types); End-Use (B2B End-Use, B2C End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 33 Featured) -

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Ardent Mills
• Arrow Seed Company
• Bay State Milling Company
• Bayer Crop Science AG
• Cargill
• Earthon Products Pvt Ltd
• Grain Millers Inc.
• Great Basin Seed
• Janadhanya Farmers Producer Company Ltd
• Just Organik
• KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
• Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods
• Nature’s Path Foods
• Nestlé S.A.
• NH Foods Ltd.
• Panhandle Milling
• Pristine Organics Pvt Ltd
• Sahaja Samrudha Organic Producer Company Ltd
• Seitenbacher Natural Foods

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