Introduction Millets are recognized as “crops of antiquity” due to their resilience to drought, resistance to pests and diseases, and high nutritional value. Often referred to as “nutri-cereals” or “wonder cereals,” they contribute to food, fodder, health, livelihood, ecological, and economic security while maintaining a low water footprint. In India's North Eastern Region (NER), millets have long been integral to tribal food systems and ethnobotanical practices. However, post-Green Revolution factors such as dietary shifts, urbanization, expansion of cash crops, and increased reliance on subsidized rice have led to a substantial decline in millet cultivation and consumption. Methods This study adopted a systematic evidence-based research design combining extensive literature retrieval, screening, and thematic synthesis. Data were collected from scientific databases, government reports, and institutional publications focusing on millet diversity, ethnobotanical uses, cultivation practices, and nutrient management in the NER. Selected studies were analyzed to document traditional uses and assess constraints and opportunities for expanding millet cultivation under changing climatic conditions. Results The analysis revealed that millets hold significant ethnobotanical value among tribal communities, being used for food, beverages, fodder, and traditional medicine. Despite their importance, a considerable decline in cultivation area and consumption patterns was observed over recent decades. Major constraints include soil acidity, limited access to quality seeds, weak market linkages, declining traditional knowledge, and institutional neglect. The findings also indicate that millets offer economic benefits for small and marginal farmers, including reduced livestock feed costs and improved livelihood resilience. Discussion Reviving millet cultivation in the NER presents substantial opportunities to enhance nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Integrating indigenous knowledge with improved nutrient management practices, policy support, and value chain development can facilitate the expansion of millet-based farming systems. The study highlights the need to prioritize conservation of diverse millet species, strengthen research on their nutritional properties, and promote policies to mainstream millets within regional agricultural systems.
Majumdar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.