Millet Production by Country 2024

Millet is a type of grass that yields small, nutritious seeds. It is also one of the world’s longest-standing agricultural crops, so it’s been a staple in many diets around the world for thousands of years. It’s an important cash crop for many countries worldwide, as well.

However, millet production is naturally not equally distributed around the world. Here’s an overview of which world countries are the top millet producers, as well as a few factors that may affect a country’s annual production.

Top Millet-Producing Countries in 2023

As of 2023, the following countries are among the biggest, most consistent contributors to the world’s ongoing millet supply.

India

India is by far the top world producer of millet as of 2023 with an approximate annual yield of 13,210 kilotons. India is also one of several countries where millet is a key staple food and cash crop.

India’s vast size and wide variety of different growing environments enable it to not only produce large quantities of millet in general but also to grow many different varieties. Examples include sorghum, finger millet, and pearl millet.

China

Like India, China is also a large country with many different agricultural environments to fall back on. However, although it is the world’s second-largest millet producer, it produces significantly less than India – approximately 2,000 kilotons a year.

Millet is an important component in Chinese cuisine, as well as a key contributor to the nation’s ongoing food security.

Niger

As millet is a major staple food for the people of Niger, it’s unsurprising that the country is a key contributor to the world’s millet supply. Ample support for potential millet farmers combined with Niger’s trademark arid growing climate has helped to keep millet supplies abundant here.

Additional countries that grow a lot of millet each year include Mali, Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, and Ethiopia.

Factors That Can Affect Millet Production by Country

Millet is a versatile crop that can grow well in a variety of different environments. However, climate, soil quality, and growing conditions remain perhaps the biggest contributors to a country’s annual millet yields. Others include the following examples.

Financial Support

In countries where millet farming is encouraged and supported by the government, millet yields are likely to be higher. The same goes for countries where growers have easy access to credit or additional financing.

Cultural Preference

How heavily millet factors into a country’s local cuisine, dietary preferences, and agricultural traditions will naturally affect annual yields, as well. In many cases, top millet-producing countries are also countries where the people view it as a staple food.