Millets can play a vital role in ensuring food security and nutrition. Millets are deeply rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and traditions and, for centuries, they have been a traditional staple crop for hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and East Asia. In arid areas, millets are often the only crops that can be harvested in the dry season and are a crucial part of the household food basket. By overcoming food scarcity in difficult periods, they can contribute to the food security and nutrition of vulnerable populations. Promoting sustainable consumption
of millets, leveraging market opportunities and creating additional revenue sources, millets can support the livelihoods of different actors involved across the value chain, including smallholder farmers, young people, women and Indigenous Peoples.

Millets offer numerous advantages for those who produce them. With their high yield potential, even in unfavourable growing conditions, their short growth cycles and their resilience to pests and diseases, they are a sustainable and economically viable choice. Multiple harvests in a year provide flexibility, while lower reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers promotes environmentally friendly practices. Enhancing the production of millets can support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

In their diversity, millets provide various essential nutrients and can contribute to healthy diets with the vitamins, dietary fibre, antioxidants, protein and minerals, including iron, they offer. As whole grains, their dietary fibre can help regulate bowel function, blood sugar and lipids, and promote satiation. Their diverse flavours and textures add variety to our meals and enhance culinary experiences.

The sustainable cultivation of millets supports climate-resilient food production. Millets withstand drought, heat and poor soil conditions, and require minimal inputs and maintenance. Millets are tolerant or resistant to diseases and pests, and are more resilient to climate shocks and stresses than other cereals. Millets require less water compared to other grains, making them suitable for territories facing water scarcity. They also contribute to soil conservation and biodiversity preservation. By covering arid areas, they contribute to soil restoration and reduce degradation.