Vol. 14, Issue 8 (2025)

Author(s):
Bheemannagari Deepika and Rajesh Reddy

Abstract:
Millets, valued for their nutritional abundance and ecological resilience, remain underutilized despite India’s leading contribution of around 38.4% to global production, reaching 13.5 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2024. This study, conducted in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, surveyed 220 consumers and 30 retailers to investigate awareness levels, preferences for foxtail millet products, and barriers to adoption. Results indicate universal awareness, with 80% of respondents affirming millets’ health superiority over wheat and rice. Finger millet leads preferences (41%), yet foxtail millet uptake is minimal, with 49% citing culinary unfamiliarity as a key obstacle. Retail insights reveal sorghum’s dominance, though foxtail millet shows emerging potential. Amid global millet promotion, this research advocates for innovative, accessible products and policy measures to integrate millets into Indian diets, addressing nutritional and sustainability challenges.