According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures are expected to increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius or more within the next two decades. Immediate actions are crucial in response to current climate trends, as global warming will significantly affect water availability and agriculture, posing risks to food security. The agricultural sector, which uses nearly 89% of groundwater, must adopt practices that ensure nutritional and water security at minimal social costs.

India, with 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water resources, faces severe water scarcity due to groundwater overexploitation. This demands urgent adaptation for improved management.

Rice, wheat, and sugarcane, which are highly water-intensive, dominate India’s agriculture, straining food security against limited water resources. The focus on these crops, stemming from the Green Revolution, has displaced more sustainable millet crops.

Millets like Sorghum (jowar), Pearl Millet (bajra), and Finger Millet (ragi) require significantly less water than rice, making them resilient to climate change. Millets also offer superior nutrition compared to rice, providing a sustainable choice for food security.

Rice, a major water consumer, contributes significantly to methane emissions. Millets present a viable alternative to rice and wheat, capable of withstanding drought and higher temperatures while ensuring food and nutrition security.

Reintroducing millets as staple crops is essential given diminishing water resources and increasing temperatures. Transitioning to millets can enhance food security and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.