Production and Marketing of Coarse Cereals in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Coarse cereals, viz., sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet assume significance in the cropping pattern of dryland regions as they require little inputs and are most drought resistant. By providing grains and fodder, they support the food and fodder needs of the farm household and livestock. However, the last few decades saw these crops lose area on account of declining demand, change in food habits and erosion in relative profitability of these crops vis-à-vis other crops. Nevertheless, it is necessary to improve the profitability of these crops as they contribute to food security to the small and marginal farmers. The nutritional value of these crops offers much scope to development new health and packaged foods. Considering these issues, various issues related to production and marketing of coarse cereals were examined in the project “Studies on spatio-temporal variations in production and marketing of coarse cereals in Andhra Pradesh” financially supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This research bulletin puts together the findings of the project.