Global Millets Production: Leading Producers and Regional Dynamics
Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grasses primarily cultivated in marginal lands where other cereals often fail. Often referred to as "Smart Food," these grains are celebrated for their climate resilience, low water footprint, and superior nutritional profiles. As of late 2025, global millet production remains around 30 million metric tons, with India and several African nations maintaining their dominance in the market.
Top Producing Countries (2025 Estimates)
The production of millets is highly concentrated, with the top three producers accounting for more than 60% of the world's total output.
| Rank | Country | Annual Production (Metric Tons) | Global Share (%) |
| 1 | India | 12,200,000 | ~41% |
| 2 | Niger | 3,400,000 | ~11% |
| 3 | China | 2,700,000 | ~9% |
| 4 | Nigeria | 2,000,000 | ~7% |
| 5 | Mali | 1,800,000 | ~6% |
| 6 | Sudan | 1,600,000 | ~5% |
| 7 | Ethiopia | 1,100,000 | ~4% |
| 8 | Senegal | 1,000,000 | ~3% |
| 9 | Burkina Faso | 1,000,000 | ~3% |
| 10 | Chad | 725,000 | ~2% |
Regional Production Trends
Asia: The Dominant Powerhouse
India remains the world's largest producer. The state of Rajasthan alone contributes roughly 27% of India's total output, focusing heavily on Pearl Millet (Bajra). Other major Indian states include Karnataka, which specializes in Finger Millet (Ragi), and Maharashtra. China follows as the second-largest Asian producer, primarily growing Foxtail and Proso millets in its northern arid provinces.
Africa: The Food Security Anchor
In the Sahelian belt of Africa, millets are the backbone of rural food security. In countries like Niger, Mali, and Nigeria, millets are often the only viable crops due to sandy soils and erratic rainfall. In these regions, the per capita consumption of millet is among the highest in the world, often making up more than 60% of total cereal intake in countries like Niger.
Emerging Markets and Others
While production is smaller in the West, interest is growing due to the gluten-free trend. The United States and the Russian Federation are notable producers of Proso millet, largely for animal feed and specialty health food markets. Recent data shows significant yield improvements in Russia and Ethiopia due to the adoption of better seed varieties.
Summary of Market Drivers
Climate Resilience: Millets require significantly less water than wheat or rice, making them "future-proof" crops for warming climates.
Health and Wellness: Increased global demand for ancient grains and gluten-free alternatives is driving a projected market value of over $12 billion by the end of 2025.
Government Policy: Significant subsidies and promotional campaigns, particularly in India, have revitalized the cultivation of "minor millets" such as Kodo and Barnyard millet.
Global Millet Production Growth: Top Performing Countries in 2025
The global millet market has experienced a significant shift in 2025, with production growth fueled by a combination of climate adaptation strategies and a rising international demand for gluten-free grains. While traditional producers in Africa and Asia maintain the largest volumes, specific countries have emerged as leaders in terms of year-over-year percentage increases in output.
Highest Growth in Millet Production by Country (2025 Estimates)
| Country | Annual Growth Rate (%) | Key Factors for Expansion |
| Russia | 13.0% | Sharp increase in Proso millet acreage for export to the EU. |
| India | 12.0% | National subsidies and high-yield hybrid seed distribution. |
| Zimbabwe | 9.2% | Government-led shift toward drought-resistant grains. |
| Argentina | 4.5% | Improved farming techniques and favorable weather in growing zones. |
| China | 2.9% | Rising domestic demand for premium organic millet varieties. |
| Senegal | 2.2% | Modernization of smallholder farming in the Peanut Basin. |
| Nigeria | 1.3% | Increased cultivation in the northern regions to bolster food security. |
| Ethiopia | 1.2% | Expansion of Finger Millet (Teff alternative) production. |
Analysis of Growth Drivers
The growth seen in Russia is primarily export-oriented. As global food manufacturers seek reliable sources of non-GMO, gluten-free ingredients, Russian producers have capitalized on their vast available land to increase Proso millet supply. This makes them a key player in the specialized industrial grain market.
In contrast, the 12% growth in India is the result of a massive domestic campaign. By integrating millets into the national school meal programs and providing price supports to farmers, the Indian government has created a stable economic environment that encourages higher yields. This growth is notable because it occurs even as land availability remains constrained, indicating a significant rise in agricultural productivity.
Zimbabwe and Senegal represent a regional trend across Africa where millet is being prioritized over maize. Because millet can survive long dry spells, it has become the primary tool for climate resilience. Growth in these countries is largely driven by "climate-smart" agricultural programs that provide farmers with better tools and training to maximize their harvests in semi-arid conditions.
Future Market Outlook
By the end of 2025, the total value of the global millet market is expected to surpass $12 billion. This financial incentive is encouraging secondary producers in the Americas and Europe to experiment with the crop, potentially leading to new growth leaders in the coming years.
Global Millet Processing and Refinery: Leading Nations in Value-Added Production
While millet production focuses on the raw harvest, the "refinery" or processing stage—which includes dehulling, milling into flour, and creating value-added products like noodles, snacks, and infant foods—represents the high-value segment of the industry. In 2025, the global millet processing market is valued at approximately $11.8 billion, with a clear shift toward industrial-scale refinement in Asia and North America.
The following table identifies the leading countries in millet refinery and processing capacity, highlighting where the majority of raw grain is converted into consumer-ready products.
Leading Countries by Millet Processing and Refinery Capacity (2025)
| Country | Refinery Level | Primary Processed Products | Infrastructure Driver |
| India | High | Flour, RTC (Ready-to-Cook) mixes, Pasta, Snacks | Over 500 startups and PLI government subsidies. |
| China | High | Porridge mixes, Functional beverages, Foxtail millet flour | Specialized northern processing hubs for urban health markets. |
| USA | Moderate | Gluten-free bakery ingredients, Birdseed, Granola | Industrial-scale milling for the health-conscious Western market. |
| Nigeria | Emerging | Fermented flours, Traditional "Fura" bases, Malted beverages | Transitioning from manual home-milling to centralized factories. |
| France | Moderate | Organic flours, Specialty gluten-free snacks | EU Green Deal support for local organic grain refineries. |
| Niger | Low-Moderate | Primary dehulled grains, Local flours | Focus on food security and reducing post-harvest losses. |
| Ethiopia | Emerging | Multi-grain flour blends, Injera-ready mixes | Growth in industrial milling to support urban food demand. |
Key Trends in Millet Refining
1. The "Ready-to-Eat" (RTE) Boom
India is currently the global leader in millet refinery innovation. Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, the Indian government has allocated nearly $100 million to boost the manufacturing of millet-based products. This has resulted in a surge of refined goods such as millet-based noodles, cookies, and breakfast cereals that are increasingly exported to the UAE, USA, and Europe.
2. Industrialization in West Africa
In traditional producing nations like Niger and Nigeria, the "refinery" process has historically been a manual, household task. However, 2024–2025 has seen a rise in small-to-medium enterprise (SME) milling facilities. These refineries focus on stabilizing the shelf life of millet flour—which is naturally prone to rancidity—through heat treatment, allowing it to be sold in modern supermarkets.
3. Western High-Tech Milling
In the United States and Russia, the focus is on Proso millet refinery. Because this variety is highly sought after by the global gluten-free industry, these countries have invested in high-precision dehulling and sorting technology to ensure the purity levels required for "certified gluten-free" labels in international trade.
4. Functional Beverages
A growing niche in the refinery sector is the production of millet-based beverages. China leads this segment with mass-produced bottled millet drinks and instant porridge powders, targeting urban consumers looking for low-glycemic, healthy alternatives to traditional sugary beverages.
Conclusion: The Strategic Future of Millets in the Global Food System
The global landscape of millet production and refinery in 2025 marks a pivotal turning point for the industry. Once categorized as "coarse grains," millets have successfully transitioned into a high-value "superfood" category, driven by a global shift toward climate-resilient agriculture and health-conscious consumption.
Strategic Summary of the 2025 Outlook
Economic Growth: The global millet market is now valued at approximately $12.5 billion, with projections suggesting it could nearly triple by 2033. This growth is underpinned by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10% in high-performing regions.
Production Leadership: India continues to anchor the global supply, producing nearly 40% of the world’s millets. However, the rapid 13% growth in Russian exports and the survival-driven expansion in the African Sahel (Niger, Mali, and Nigeria) demonstrate that the supply chain is becoming increasingly decentralized.
The Refinery Shift: The industry is moving away from "direct consumption" toward industrial refinery. Value-added processing—converting raw grain into gluten-free flours, ready-to-eat snacks, and functional beverages—is now the most profitable segment of the market, particularly in urban Asian and European markets.
Resilience as a Commodity: As 2025 ends, millets are being integrated into carbon credit frameworks. Because they require up to 70% less water than rice and can thrive in degraded soils, they are no longer just food; they are an environmental asset for sustainable investment portfolios.
Future Outlook (2026 and Beyond)
The momentum established in the International Year of Millets (2023) has evolved into a permanent market fixture. Moving into 2026, the focus will likely shift toward mechanization and yield optimization. Bridging the "yield gap" in Africa and South Asia will be essential to keeping prices competitive against traditional staples like wheat and maize. With the rise of the "gluten-free" economy and the urgent need for drought-resistant crops, millets are positioned to become a fundamental pillar of the 21st-century global food system.
