The decline in millets cultivation has been observed globally, including in countries like India, where millets were once staple crops. Several factors contribute to this decline:

1. Shift in Dietary Patterns: A major reason for the decline in millets cultivation is the shift in dietary patterns. As economies develop and people have more access to diverse food choices, there is a tendency to adopt grains such as rice and wheat over traditional millets. Millets have faced competition from these more widely consumed grains, leading to a decrease in their cultivation.

2. Perceived Low Prestige: Millets are sometimes associated with traditional or rural diets, leading to a perception that they are inferior or less prestigious compared to other grains. This perception can influence consumer preferences and discourage farmers from cultivating millets, contributing to their decline.

3. Yield Considerations: In comparison to high-yielding crops like rice and wheat, millets often have lower yields per unit area. Farmers may prioritize crops that offer higher economic returns, and the perception of millets as low-yielding can discourage their cultivation.

4. Market Demand and Accessibility: The demand for millets in the market plays a crucial role. If there is insufficient demand or if millets are not easily accessible to consumers, farmers may be less motivated to cultivate them. Lack of proper marketing channels and distribution networks for millets can contribute to their decline.

5. Water Scarcity: Millets are generally hardy crops that can thrive in semi-arid regions with limited water resources. However, in areas facing water scarcity or where water-intensive crops are prioritized, farmers may choose to cultivate other crops over millets, leading to a decline in their production.

6. Government Policies: Agricultural policies and subsidies can significantly influence crop choices. In some cases, government policies may favor the cultivation of certain crops over others, leading to a decline in millet cultivation if they are not incentivized.

7. Lack of Research and Development: Insufficient investment in research and development for millets can contribute to their decline. If there is limited innovation in terms of crop varieties, cultivation techniques, and value addition, farmers may find millets less attractive compared to other crops.

8. Land Use Changes: Urbanization and changes in land use patterns can result in the conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural purposes. This reduces the available land for millet cultivation and contributes to their decline.

9. Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns, including unpredictable rainfall and temperature variations, can impact millet cultivation. Millets are generally hardy crops, but extreme weather events or shifts in climatic conditions may affect their growth and yield, leading to a decline in cultivation.

Addressing the decline in millets cultivation requires a comprehensive approach, involving education, awareness campaigns, policy interventions, and research and development initiatives to promote the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets.

There could only be two important reasons for the decline of millet production. First is the lack of research and development about the crop. In the Philippines, this crop was once of the staple foods of Filipino ancestors in rural areas. Now, the production for human consumption has truly gone and for some, this is only used as feed for birds. If there were research and development about the product or the crop, there would also be adoption, cultivation, and utilization. Another is the Government policies. Government policies are very effective drivers in influencing preferences and choices of human consumption about the crop. There must be clear policies and research output that would drive the interest of the farmer cultivators and the consuming public.

Here in India most of the area of millet is cultivated by tribal people of remote areas. They don't practice any technologies such as fertilizers or any other for production. Millet is cultivated once in a year and the land is kept fallow to restore the nutrients naturally. This practice has led to a decline in the nutrient status of soil thus making it important to focus on the development of research and technologies for millet production. Also, it becomes important to extend the developed technologies to the farmers.