Millet Adoption in Bundelkhand, U.P.: Traditional vs. Emerging Crop Trends

Authors

  • Pankaj Kumar Ojha Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, Banda, University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Pragati Saxena Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Constituent Government College, Bhadpura, Nawabganj, MJPR University Bareilly, U.P., India
  • Samreen Fatma Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Constituent Government College, Richha, Baheri, MJPR University Bareilly, U.P., India
  • Babli Rani Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Shanti Devi Government Degree College, Rabupura Jewer, Gautam Buddh Nagar, U.P., India
  • Paramjeet Kaur Assistant professor, Department of Home Science, Constituent Government College, Hasanpur, Amroha, MJPR University Bareilly, U.P., India
  • Pragya Ojha Subject Matter Specialist, Home Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Abhishek Kumar Yadav Assistant Professor (Physical Education), Department of Basic & Social Sciences, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, U.P., India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.613RN06

Keywords:

Millet adoption, Traditional crops, Climate resilience, Nutritional security, Bundelkhand

Abstract

The study, conducted between January and March 2023, investigated millet adoption patterns among 400 farmers in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, India, comparing traditional crop cultivation with emerging millet trends in Jalaun and Jhansi districts. The current study’s findings indicated that millets, driven by climate resilience (50%), market demand (37.5%), and nutritional value (12.5%), are cultivated by 37.5 per cent of farmers, while traditional crops (wheat, rice, maize) dominate (62.5%) due to market reliability. Millets are consumed daily by 10 per cent, primarily at breakfast (30%) and lunch (25%), enhancing nutritional security. Significant challenges to millet adoption include limited market access and awareness. ANOVA and Chi-square tests revealed significant differences in crop selection and consumption across gender (p<0.01), age (p<0.05), and income (p<0.05). However, adoption requires robust policy support, with significant positive correlations for climate resilience (p=0.03) and nutritional benefits (p=0.04), while market access constraints (p=0.02) showed negative correlations. Composite reliability values, ranging from 0.750 to 0.980, demonstrated strong internal consistency across measured constructs.

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Published

2025-07-03