Integrating millets into crop rotations can improve soil health and moisture retention, creating a more resilient ecosystem. This reduces dependence on individual crops and their specific water needs.

Water availability, or the lack thereof, significantly influences farmers' decisions to cultivate millets, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Millets are hardy, drought-tolerant crops that require less water compared to many other staple crops such as rice or wheat. Therefore, in water-stressed areas, farmers often choose to cultivate millets due to their ability to survive and produce reasonable yields under limited water conditions. Here are some specific ways water availability impacts farmers' decisions regarding millet cultivation:

1. Drought tolerance: Millets have evolved to withstand dry and arid conditions, making them well-suited for cultivation in water-scarce areas. They have deep root systems that help them access moisture from deeper soil layers, allowing them to survive during prolonged dry spells when other crops may fail.

2. Crop choice: Limited water availability compels farmers to select crops that can thrive with minimal irrigation. In regions facing water scarcity, farmers may opt to cultivate millets because these crops have lower water requirements compared to water-intensive crops like rice, sugarcane, or maize. By choosing millets, farmers can make the best use of available water resources.

3. Economic considerations: In water-stressed regions, water scarcity often leads to increased competition for irrigation water among different crops and sectors. Since millets require less water, cultivating them can be economically viable for farmers, as they can avoid or minimize the costs associated with intensive irrigation practices. Choosing millets allows farmers to optimize their water usage and reduce financial risks.

4. Risk diversification: Water scarcity increases the vulnerability of farmers to crop failures and reduced yields. By cultivating millets, farmers can diversify their crop portfolio and reduce the overall risk of complete crop failure. If one crop fails due to water scarcity, the other crops, such as millets, can still provide some level of harvest, ensuring food security and income stability.

5. Local suitability: Millets are often indigenous or traditional crops in water-stressed regions. They have adapted to the local agro-climatic conditions, including limited water availability. As a result, farmers have the knowledge and experience necessary for successful millet cultivation, making it a preferred choice when water resources are limited.

It's important to note that while millets are relatively more drought-tolerant compared to other crops, they still require some amount of water to grow and produce optimal yields. Severe and prolonged water scarcity can still negatively impact millet production. Additionally, the specific decision-making processes of farmers regarding crop choices can vary depending on various factors such as market demands, government policies, access to irrigation infrastructure, and availability of alternative livelihood options.

see here : Article Breeding for Yield Potential and Stress Adaptation in Cereals

and here : Article Breeding crop varieties for stress environments