Types of millets and their benefits

Foxtail millet is known by numerous vernacular names in different parts of India. Some names include Kakum in Hindi, Navane in Kannada, Kang in Gujrati, Kaon in Bengali, Kangni in Punjabi, Korralu in Telugu, Thina in Malayalam, Kang in Marathi, and Thinai in Tamil. It is scientifically known as Setaria italic.

Pearl millet is among the major millets grown in India alongside sorghum and ragi. It is locally referred to as “Bajra” and scientifically as Pennisetum glaucum. Down south, it is also known as kambu, sajjalu, sajja or sajje.

Sorghum, locally is well-known as jowar and is scientifically known as Sorghum bicolor (L.), In India sorghum is also called cholam or jonna in different parts of the country. Sorghum kernels appearing in white, red, brown and black, is an energy rich, high protein addition to predominantly rice based Indian diets.

Kodo millet an important minor millet from the millet family. Domestication of kodo millet dates back to 3000 years in tropical or sub-tropical regions in the country. Cultivation of kodo millet is concentrated in the states of Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Eastern Madhya Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu.

Amaranth is among the two pseudo cereals mainly consumed for their exceptional nutritional profile and high production sustainability in resource poor countries. It is morphologically different from other cereals and millets but similar in its high protein and mineral composition.

Barnyard millet scientifically known as Echinochloa frumentacea, a species referred to as Indian barnyard millet is among the highest produced minor millets globally. India is the largest producer of this millet both in terms of area produced and yield.

The rapidly expanding demand for food has encouraged consumption of climate resistant, economical and nutritionally sufficient minor millets. Equally rich in minerals and nutrient bioavailability are pseudo cereals.

Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is the scientific name of finger millet, what is locally known in India as “ragi”. It is the highest yielded millet in India next to sorghum. Ragalu, madhuka, keppai, nagli and marwa are some of the common names of Finger millet.

Little millet is one among the many minor millets grown in India. Its grains are smaller in size compared to the other millets, hence the name little. Its scientific name is Panicum Sumatrense belonging to the Poaceae family.

Proso millet or common millet is a small grass seed known for its economic feasibility as well as, has been in the recent spotlight for its health benefits. It is amongst the oldest millets and is widely used as birdfeed.