Consumption patterns and utilization trends of minor millets: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Millets are the staple food for millions in Asian and several African countries. They are rich in dietary fiber, micronutrients and beneficial phytochemicals. Minor millets—comprising of grains like kodo, little, barnyard, foxtail and proso millet are historic, nutrition-rich cereals that are extremely suited to India's rainfed agriculture. Despite being rich in nutrition and ecologically robust, consumption of these grains has fallen dramatically over the past few decades. This review analyses present-day consumption patterns of small millets in India, noting regional trends, frequency and mode of consumption, socio-demographic determinants, awareness levels and changing dietary trends. The study finds consumption to be predominantly infrequent and regional in character, with higher use in tribal and rural populations and growing interest in urban well-being markets. Barriers such as inadequate market access, high prices of packaged foods, unfamiliarity with cooking and perceptions of taste continue to restrict large-scale acceptance. Nevertheless, changing trends such as greater millet inclusion in health-focused diets, social media promotion and institutional support through ICDS and school meal schemes indicate positive momentum toward millet renaissance. This paper emphasizes the need for integrated action toward awareness generation, value chain development and cultural revalorization in mainstreaming small millets in modern Indian diets.