How can millet-based cropping systems contribute to nutritional security, water-use efficiency, and climate resilience in semi-arid regions?
Dragan Ugrinov
Nutritional Security: Millets are rich in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and B-complex vitamins, and they offer a good source of protein with a low glycemic index. Compared to major cereals like rice and wheat, millets have a superior nutritional profile, making them essential in addressing “hidden hunger” (micronutrient deficiencies) and combating non-communicable diseases. Promoting millets as staple grains can significantly enhance the dietary quality of vulnerable and rural populations dependent on cereal-based diets. Water-Use Efficiency: Millets are highly drought-tolerant crops that can thrive under low and erratic rainfall conditions. In comparison to water-intensive crops such as rice or maize, millets require considerably less water per unit of yield. This makes them particularly suitable for semi-arid agroecologies, where water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable groundwater exploitation. Climate Resilience: Millets demonstrate strong resilience to climatic extremes, including high temperatures, prolonged droughts, and poor soil fertility. Their short growing cycle and minimal input requirements make them highly adaptable within the framework of climate-smart agriculture. Additionally, incorporating millets into crop rotation and intercropping systems contributes to soil health, reduces dependency on chemical inputs, and enhances agro-biodiversity. Millet-based systems remain one of the most underutilized yet high-potential pathways for advancing sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions. Their integration into national agricultural policies, subsidy schemes, and institutional procurement programs (e.g., school meals, military, healthcare facilities) could yield transformative outcomes for both food system resilience and environmental sustainability. Strategic investments in research and development, varietal improvement, post-harvest infrastructure, and consumer awareness are essential to reposition millets at the core of agricultural and nutritional strategies in the era of climate uncertainty.
Himanshu Tiwari
The integration of millet-based cropping systems in semi-arid regions represents a multidimensional and sustainable agricultural approach, offering significant contributions in three critical areas: nutritional security, water-use efficiency, and climate resilience.
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