Prioritizing Challenges Faced in Millet Value Addition to Empower Farmers Using Interpretative Structural Model for Sustainability

Abstract

Climate change poses a serious threat to global food security and underscores the need for resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. Millets are hardy, climate-adaptive grains that can grow in arid and semi-arid regions with low soil fertility. In addition to supporting sustainable food systems, these nutrient-rich crops can provide economic opportunities for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Nevertheless, millet farmers face interconnected production, processing, and market-related challenges that may limit value addition and income generation. This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) and interpretive structural modelling (ISM) to assess the principal constraints affecting millet cultivation and value addition in India. Literature retrieved from Scopus and PubMed was reviewed, and the identified constraints were analysed through ISM to determine their interrelationships and hierarchical positions. MICMAC analysis subsequently classified the constraints as autonomous, dependent, driving, or linkage factors. The principal challenges included inadequate storage facilities, low consumer demand, insufficient market infrastructure, and limited policy support. The findings indicate that these constraints cannot be addressed effectively in isolation. Coordinated action involving policymakers, farmer organisations, value-chain actors, researchers, and financial institutions is required to improve processing capacity, market access, consumer awareness, and institutional support. Strengthening millet value chains may contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the economic resilience of smallholder farmers under climate change.