Millet profiles across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) show marked differences from state to state, shaped by agro-climatic diversity, traditional farming systems, and the adaptation of local landraces to unique environments.

In Uttarakhand, finger millet and barnyard millet are dominant, often cultivated in rainfed hill terrains with mixed cropping systems. These millets are well-suited to the region’s light, gravelly soils and limited irrigation, integrating seamlessly with crops like amaranth and buckwheat. The cropping patterns here reflect a balance between food security and resilience against unpredictable rainfall.

Himachal Pradesh exhibits a broader millet portfolio that includes finger, pearl, foxtail, little, and barnyard millet, as well as pseudocereals such as buckwheat and amaranth. While mono-cropping is practiced in some zones, intercropping—sometimes even in apple orchards at higher altitudes—is common. The choice of millet varies with altitude and rainfall: subtropical zones support crops like barnyard and finger millet, while dry temperate areas favor hardier landraces. Overall, millets are particularly important in areas where wheat and rice struggle to thrive due to either climate or soil constraints.

Moving east, Sikkim is notable for its high agro-biodiversity. Millets, especially finger millet, are deeply integrated into both subsistence and cultural practices. The existence of multiple local landraces, with significant genetic diversity, testifies to long-standing adaptation to steep, fragile mountain slopes and varied microclimates. Traditional multi-cropping, often combined with pulses and pseudo-cereals, supports soil health and nutritional diversity. The predominance of organic farming in Sikkim further underlines the resilience and sustainability of millet-based systems in maintaining food and nutritional security.

In Arunachal Pradesh, millet cultivation is intimately tied to shifting (jhum) agriculture and integrated farming systems, sometimes co-cultivated with paddy and fish by communities like the Apatani. The state grows a variety of millets—finger, foxtail, proso, barnyard, and pearl millet—often alongside buckwheat. These species are well-adapted to temperate and frigid climates with high rainfall. Such diversity not only enhances dietary variety but also supports cultural practices central to local ethnic groups.

Key contrasts emerge when comparing these states. While Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have diversified cropping strategies that respond to elevation and rainfall patterns, Sikkim places particular emphasis on agro-biodiversity and traditional varietal knowledge, and Arunachal Pradesh’s systems are molded by indigenous farming traditions and integration with other food sources. Across the IHR, millets’ resilience to poor soils and climatic stress stands out, making them vital for food security and ecological sustainability in mountain agriculture