Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses widely cultivated in various parts of the world. It has been a part of Indian food for hundreds of years and is a staple in many parts of the country. But in recent years, millets have become very popular in India and other places because they are good for your health in many ways. This has increased demand for millet exports from India, creating several opportunities for new entrepreneurs.
India is one of the largest producers of millet in the world, with states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh contributing significantly to its production. According to the Agriculture Ministry, the total millet production in India was around 19 million metric tons in 2019–20. However, until recently, millets were given little importance, and their consumption was limited to a few regions.
With growing awareness about the health benefits of millet, their demand has increased in India and other countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Millets are considered a “superfood” because they contain fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal food for people with gluten intolerance and diabetes.
Status of Millet exports from India:
It’s no secret that India is the world leader in millet production. According to the Government of India’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, India produces roughly 17.15 MMT, or about 38% of global output. India is third in global millet exports.
The Government of India has been promoting the cultivation and consumption of millet as part of its National Nutrition Mission. As part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, millets will be promoted with INR 500 crore from the Union Budget in 2021.
The demand for millet has been steadily increasing in India, with more and more people becoming aware of its health benefits. Millets are now easily available in supermarkets and online stores, and several millet-based products like bread, cookies, and snacks are being introduced to the market.
Methods to benefit from Millet export:
Millets are in high demand, so their prices have increased, giving new business owners a chance to make money. There are several ways in which entrepreneurs can benefit from millet exports from India. Let us discuss some of them:
1. Cultivation:
Growing millets is one of the best ways for entrepreneurs to make money from millet exports. Millets are easy to grow and require less water than other crops, making them an ideal choice for farmers. Entrepreneurs can buy millet seeds from seed companies and start cultivating millets. Depending on the demand, they can sell the harvested millets domestically or internationally.
2. Processing:
Millets need to be processed before they can be consumed. Entrepreneurs can set up millet processing units and process millets into different forms like flour, flakes, and puffed millet. Depending on the demand, they can sell these products domestically or internationally.
3. Export:
Entrepreneurs can also make money from millet exports by connecting farmers and exporters. They can help millet farmers connect with exporters and get a commission. They can also set up export businesses and export millet to different countries.
4. Retail:
Entrepreneurs can set up retail outlets or online stores and sell millet-based products like millet bread, cookies, and snacks. With growing awareness about the health benefits of millet, there is a huge demand for millet-based products in the domestic market.
Major Importing countries:
India is one of the biggest millet producers in the world, and the growing demand for millet worldwide has led to a steady rise in millet exports from India over the past few years. Millet exports from India mainly go to the following destinations:
Nepal:
Nepal is the largest importer of millet from India, accounting for around 50% of India’s millet exports. Millets are a popular food item in Nepal, and Indian millets are preferred due to their quality and affordability.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
The UAE is the second-largest importer of millet from India, accounting for around 25% of India’s millet exports. The UAE is a hub for the re-export of food products to other countries in the region, and Indian millets are in high demand in the UAE due to their quality and nutritional value.
United States of America (USA):
The USA is also a major importer of millet from India, accounting for around 10% of India’s millet exports. Millets are gaining popularity in the USA due to their health benefits, and Indian millets are preferred due to their quality and price competitiveness.
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is another major importer of millet from India, accounting for around 7% of India’s millet exports. Millets are a popular food item in Saudi Arabia, and Indian millets are preferred due to their quality and affordability.
Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom:
These countries are also important destinations for millet exports from India, accounting for a significant portion of India’s millet exports.
Advice to Entrepreneurs for millet export from India:
If you are an entrepreneur looking to export millets from India, here are some tips to help you get started:
Identify the market demand:
Before starting your millet export business, research the market demand in your target export destination. Look for potential buyers and distributors who are interested in buying Indian millets. You can also participate in trade shows and exhibitions to showcase your products and get feedback from potential buyers.
Establish a reliable supply chain:
To ensure a steady supply of millets for export, establish a reliable supply chain with millet farmers and suppliers. Ensure your supply chain is reliable, consistent, and meets the required quality standards.
Focus on quality:
Quality is key when it comes to millet exports. Ensure that your millets are of high quality, free from contaminants, and meet the required standards for export. You can get your millets tested by a third-party laboratory to ensure their quality and nutritional value.
Meet regulatory requirements:
Make sure you comply with all the requirements for millet exports. Obtain the licenses, permits, and certifications required for export, and ensure that your millets meet the phytosanitary requirements of your target export destination.
Build strong relationships:
Build strong relationships with your customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the millet supply chain. This can help you to establish a loyal customer base and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality millets for export.
Explore value-added products: You can also explore value-added products like millet flour, millet snacks, and millet-based products like bread and cookies. These value-added products can help you cater to a wider range of customers and increase profitability.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, millet exports from India are creating several opportunities for new entrepreneurs. With more people wanting millet, business owners can make money by growing, processing, exporting, or selling products made from millet on the domestic or international market. Millets are a nutritious and sustainable crop, and their demand will only increase in the coming years. Therefore, millet exports from India are a promising business opportunity for new entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs can succeed in the millet export business and take advantage of the growing global demand if they focus on quality, build a reliable supply chain, meet regulatory requirements, and look for added-value products.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of exporting millet from India?
Exporting millet from India presents several benefits for new entrepreneurs. The growing demand for millets worldwide creates a large market for Indian millets, allowing entrepreneurs to tap into new markets and increase their profitability. Millets are also a sustainable and nutritious crop, making them a desirable product for health-conscious consumers. Also, the Indian government has set up a number of programs to help with millet production and exports. These programs give new business owners access to resources and money.
2. What challenges do new entrepreneurs face when exporting millet from India?
Exporting millet from India can present some challenges for new entrepreneurs. One of the main challenges is establishing a reliable supply chain, as millet production in India is often fragmented and decentralized. Also, ensuring the quality is good and all the rules are followed can be hard since different export destinations may have different standards and rules. Lastly, it can be hard for new business owners to figure out the logistics of international trade and handle shipping and customs.
3. How can new entrepreneurs succeed in the millet export business?
To be successful in the millet export business, new entrepreneurs should build strong relationships with their customers, suppliers, and other people in the millet supply chain. They should also prioritize quality, meet regulatory requirements, and explore value-added products to differentiate themselves from competitors. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends and market demand can help new entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities and stay competitive in the global market. Finally, leveraging technology and data analytics can also help new entrepreneurs to optimize their supply chain and improve efficiency.
