Millet is a type of cereal that belongs to the Poaceae family of grasses. Nigeria and India, in particular, are the biggest growing regions for this small, round whole grain in Asia and Africa. Similar to quinoa and brown rice, millet can be cooked to promote easy digestion and is nutritious, gluten-free, and easy-to-grow food. It excels in the cultivation of Bajra and Pearl Millet. Come along on a journey to discover which country in India produces the most millet and learn about the key crops, nutritional benefits, and sustainable farming methods that contribute to millet’s essential role in the nation’s agricultural landscape. We come here with different types of millets and their farming practices in India.
What are Millets?
Millets are a family of hardy, small-grained crops cultivated worldwide in warm climates. They are a good source of minerals, fibre, protein, and carbohydrates. India has long been a nation that values its food, and millet has been grown there for many years. Millets are cereal grains with tiny seeds that belong to the Poaceae family. Since millet crops are mostly grown in arid and semi-arid regions, they are essential for ensuring food security.
- Grown in poor soil, mixed crops, and small grains.
- Rainfall is not necessary for millet crops to grow.
- Extremely resilient to extreme weather, including drought.
- The nutrient profile is nearly identical to that of major cereals.
List of Top 10 Types of Millets in India
Let’s start by defining a list of millets and then go over the top ten varieties that are commonly found. Nutritionists suggest them because each one has a distinct flavour and a special set of health advantages.
1. Finger Millet (Ragi)
Many Indians, particularly those in the south of the nation, were familiar with ragi, also known as finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), a generation ago. But these days, the majority of people’s diets are completely devoid of the once-famous cereal. Given the nutritional and medicinal benefits of finger millet for humans, this is regrettably unexpected. It is doubly significant because it is a crop that is highly adaptive and perfectly suited to the climatic conditions of India. Let’s examine some of the advantages of finger millet as well as some delectable ragi laddus, cookies, and pakodas recipes!
2. Foxtail Millet (Kangni)
Foxtail millet, scientific name Setaria italica (synonym Panicum italicum L.), is an annual grass cultivated for human consumption. It is the most commonly grown millet species in Asia and the second most commonly planted species worldwide. The earliest records of foxtail millet cultivation, carbon dated to approximately 8,000 years ago, were discovered in Cishan, China, along the historic Yellow River course. Since ancient times, foxtail millet has also been farmed in India.
Millets are an essential component of the Jhum fields’ and Karbis’ food systems in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, India. In the past, foxtail millets known by the Karbi name Hanjangmilen were visible in the Jhum fields. But these days, they are scarcely noticeable. However, farmers are now reintroducing the traditional crop, which grows quickly, requires little water, thrives in poor soil, and is resistant to many diseases, into their food chain.
3. Pearl Millet (Bajra)
The crop known as pearl millet, or Pennisetum glaucum, is called by its traditional Hindi name, bajra. Other names for it include Bulrush Millet, Duke, cumbia, Gero, senior, kombu, and Baba. Africa and India are the main regions growing grain, which is a significant source of nutrition there. On the other hand, it is grown and consumed in numerous different locations worldwide. The edible seeds of pearl millet plants are referred to as bajra. They grow in bluish-purple, brown, yellow, grey, and white in different shades. Usually cooked as a cereal grain, the seeds can also occasionally be ground finely and used as flour.
4. Sorghum Millet (Jowar)
The plant jowar is grown for its grain, which is fed to animals and consumed by humans. It originated in northern Africa. Jowar is often an annual plant, though certain cultivars are perennial.
Jowar, also known as sorghum, is a gluten-free variety of millet. It provides a high protein content, is high in vitamins and minerals, and accounts for a significant amount of your daily fibre intake. It is among the greatest foods in the world for enhancing digestion because of its high dietary fibre content.
5. Proso Millet (Chena)
Proso millet, also referred to as chena, and is also one of the most popular millets types, is grown in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. This millet variety is nutrient-dense and high in dietary fibre, B vitamins, and protein. Cheena is a common ingredient in soups, salads, and the preparation of rotis and porridge.
Millet’s ability to help balance blood sugar levels is extremely significant. Because of its low glycemic index carbohydrates, millet is grown all over the world and used as bird food. Proso millet has a very high lecithin content. It’s the substance that maintains the nervous system’s proper operation indirectly. Proso millet is also well-known for its robust neural system.
6. Fonio millet
Compared to other common grains or pseudo-grains, fonio (Digitaria Exilis), an ancient grain native to West and Central Africa, is thought to be healthier and more sustainable. It is the simplest grain to cook, taking only a few minutes to cook and yielding a tiny grain that resembles granulated sugar. It is also incredibly forgiving.
This versatile grain can be prepared in three different ways: fluffy and light like couscous, creamy and dense like porridge, or compact and dense like polenta. One of the reasons it has become my favourite cereal to eat is because it only takes a few minutes to prepare on the stove. Although it lacks flavour, fonio is excellent at absorbing sauces, spices, and other flavours. It goes well with almost any meal. Consume it similarly to how you would rice, quinoa, couscous, millet, or oats.
7. Browntop Millet
India is the native home of browntop millet, especially in the arid states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Dietary fibre, found in good amounts in Browntop Millet (12%), aids in the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract. Moreover, its low glycemic index aids in the management of diabetes. Browntop millet contains serotonin, which aids in nervous system relaxation. It works wonders for asthma and bronchitis.
Additionally, Browntop Millet improves liver and kidney function. It is advised to use tomato rice and khichdi. These millet are rich in magnesium, promote serotonin production, improve kidney and liver function, are gluten-free, high in fibre, beneficial for diabetes, and enhance BMI.
8. Little Millet
This millet is appropriate for individuals of all ages. It is primarily used as rice, and it can be used to make any recipe that calls for regular rice. The grains are minuscule. Compared to all other millets, it cooks substantially faster. In addition to other nutrients, little millet contains nutraceutical elements like phenols, tannins, and phytates. It contains approximately 37% dietary fibre and a high iron content. Its flavonoids function as antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.
9. Amaranth Millet
Although amaranth is less well-known than quinoa, its time will come. This gluten-free seed, once a mainstay of the Aztec diet, also caused quite a stir in the ancient Asian culinary scene, earning it the moniker “king seed.” It’s still a fantastic plant-based protein option even though it’s not strictly speaking a complete protein. In addition to being high in calcium and magnesium, amaranth has a zesty, peppery flavour that gives our Culinary Ancient Grains a very gourmet touch.
10. Kodo Millets
The botanical name Paspalum scrobiculatum, commonly known as kodo, koda, or arke millet, is an annual plant that can withstand drought and is widely grown throughout West Africa, India, Nepal, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Kodo millets grass can grow up to four feet tall and has thin, 20–40 cm long leaves that need very little water to flourish. The tiny ellipsoidal seeds have dimensions of 1.5 mm width and 2 mm length when harvested. Their colour varies from light brown to dark grey.
Benefits of Millets
- The health benefits of millet are it helps lower blood pressure, BMI, and weight.
- In India, millet is typically eaten with legumes, which results in mutual protein supplementation, raises the content of amino acids, and improves the protein’s overall digestibility.
- Millet is incredibly beneficial. Because it is gluten-free, it is a trusted source for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This grain is rich in nutrients and high in protein and fibre, so it’s safe for people with celiac disease to eat.
- Furthermore, a 20% finger millet diet reduced fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in a 6-week study conducted on diabetic rats.
- The fact about millets is that it used as both food and fodder to increase farming efficiency. Cultivating millet lowers the carbon footprint.
- Additionally, soaking millet at room temperature for the entire night and then draining and rinsing it before cooking can reduce the amount of antinutrients in the grain.
Top Millets Producing States in India
India, known for its long history of agriculture, has long welcomed a wide variety of crops. Of them, millets have become important players because of their high nutritional content, ability to adapt to different climates, and agricultural sustainability. This blog highlights the ten states in India that produce the most millet in 2024, highlighting Rajasthan’s exceptional position as the millet industry’s unchallenged leader. Rajasthan boasts an astounding 27% of the country’s millet production due to its dry climate and hardy farming communities. See which major millets producing states in India produce the most by looking at the list below.
Rajasthan
The largest area and highest production of pearl millet in the nation found in Rajasthan, the “National Leader in Pearl Millets.” With an average output of roughly 28 lakh tonnes and productivity of 400 kg/hectare, the State covers an area of about 46 lakh hectares. The Rajasthani government has long prioritised increasing farmer income, welfare, and state economic development. The 2019 Rajasthan Agroprocessing, Agribusiness & Agri-export Promotion Policy provides appealing incentives for participants in the millet value chain.
Karnataka
The districts of Tumakuru, Chitradurga, and Chikkaballapura in Karnataka the designated growing regions for browntop millet, also known as korale in Kannada. Like other millets, it is a resilient crop that grows well on dry land. Korale reaches maturity in two and a half months.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of India’s top states for millet production. In addition to growing other millets grains like sorghum (jowar) and finger millets (ragi), it is the nation’s largest producer of pearl millet (bajra).
Uttar Pradesh
With jowar, bajra, kodo, ragi, kottu, and sanwa in its basket, Uttar Pradesh is one of the leading millet-producing states in India. Data from 2018 show that the total output was 1800.00 tonnes or 19.69 per cent of the total. This state accounts for a large amount of India’s total millet production.
Haryana
One of the Indian states where millet grown is Haryana, and the government implemented a number of initiatives to encourage crop production. As a predominantly agricultural state, Haryana’s economy is strongly reliant on the agricultural industry. Across the state, millets cultivated in the districts of Karnal, Panipat, Jind, and Kaithal. Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Gurgaon, Hisar, Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Rewari districts of Haryana are among the dry and semi-dry regions where millets, including bajra and jowar, grown. A 27-crore project is in the works to encourage millet farming in Haryana by 2024.
Other Millets Producing States
Have a look at other Indian States that produce the most millet by looking at the list below.
Gujarat
Bajra millet Gritty, light-colored (Goradu) soil works well for millet. Gujarat comes in second in terms of millet production in India. The district of Banaskantha is the main millet producer. Millet requires less rainfall, a comfortable temperature, and enough sunlight.
Madhya Pradesh
Based on data from 2018, the total amount of millets collected by MP was 760.00 tonnes, meaning that the state’s share that exported to India is 8.32 percent.
Tamil Nadu
Pearl millet, finger millet, kodo millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet and little millet are types of millets in Tamil Nadu. Under the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP), the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission launched in 2014–15 with the goal of reviving the once-forgotten millets through incentives for cultivation and distribution, frontline demonstrations, and farmer education on millet farming and value addition.
Andhra Pradesh
Major millets are grown on 1.77 lakh hectares of land in Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh, which has 0.45 lakh hectares of minor millets Major Millets: Bajra and Jowar; Minor Millets (Nutri Cereals): Ooda Sama, Variga, Korra, Andu Korralu, Ragi. Ragi (Chodi/Thaida/Finger millet), Korra (Italian millet/Foxtail millet), Sama (Little millet), Ooda (BarnYard Millet) and Jowar (Sorghum/Jonna/Great millet) are the main types of millets produced in Andhra Pradesh.
Uttarakhand
Among the well-liked locally grown millets in Uttarakhand are: One of the main millets cultivated in Uttarakhand is kodo millet, also known as kodo ka chawal. It offers many nutrients and is high in fibre. Samak, also known as Jhangora or barnyard millet, frequently grown and consumed during fasting periods.
Importance of Millets
The Indian government has designated millets, or coarse grains, as Shree Anna due to their significance. Here are a few characteristics of millets:
Food Safety
The world’s population is expanding, which means that more food must be produced. However, the task of producing more food complicated by extreme weather events that threaten food security. In light of recent extreme weather events, efforts to promote food security have shifted to the planting of climate-resilient crops, the most well-liked of which is millets, which withstand environmental stress.
Nourishment
Millet carries a lot of potassium, which is good for your kidneys and heart. Potassium is also necessary for nerve signal transmission, which is how your muscles and mind communicate.
Along with vitamins A and B, this food is also high in potassium, phosphorus, and niacin. Minerals abound in millet as well.
Cultural
Millets have a long-standing, enduring cultural significance in India that spans generations. These traditional diets and rituals incorporate these ancient grains, which reflect the nation’s diverse cultural fabric. Millets prized for their nutritional content, but they also have symbolic meaning in religious rites, celebrations, and social events.
Financial
In India, millets are significant economically because of their various uses of millets. For both rural and urban populations, they offer an affordable source of nutrition, addressing food security and lessening the financial burden of health issues associated with malnutrition. Because millet cultivation generates jobs in farming, processing, and marketing, it helps sustain rural livelihoods.
Social
They promote nutritional diversity, empower marginalized communities, preserve cultural heritage, improve food security in harsh environments, and support sustainable agricultural practices, which have significant social value. Grain production and consumption also has benefit health, livelihoods, and cultural identity, which makes millet a valuable tool for building resilient and equitable communities.
Top Millets Producing Countries
Naturally, millet production not evenly distributed worldwide. Here are the top millet-producing nations in the world, along with some variables that could influence each nation’s yearly production.
India
As of 2024, India is by far the world’s largest millet producer, yielding roughly 13,210 kilotons per year. Among the many nations where millets in India are a vital staple grain and cash crop.
India is able to grow a wide variety of millet varieties and produce large amounts of the grain due to its large size and diversity of growing environments. Sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet are a few examples.
Niger
Since pearl millet makes up 73% of the nation’s cereal production, it is a vital component of Niger’s food production system. Over 7 million hectares are planted with the crop, and the average yield in Niger for pearl millet is 544 kg ha−1 (average 2012). With a 3.9% annual population growth rate, Niger will only be 20% self-sufficient in cereals by 2050 if yield levels from 2010 hold steady. Given that 16.5% of the population is underweight, the nation’s current state of food security is concerning. Therefore, it is crucial to boost the nation’s output of pearl millet. India also tops the list of largest exporter of millets in the world.
China
Similar to India, China is a sizable nation with a wide variety of agricultural environments. It is the second-largest producer of millet in the world, but its annual production is much lower than India’s roughly 2,000 kilotons.
Also playing a significant role in Chinese cuisine, millet also plays a major role in maintaining the country’s food security.
Nigeria
The two main millets grown in Nigeria are pearl millet and finger millet. The most popular millet variety in Nigeria, particularly in the northern states, is pearl millet. It can withstand droughts well and adapted to the hot, dry climate of the Sahel. Even though it’s not as popular, finger millet still grown in some parts of Nigeria, especially in the south and centre.
Mali
Africa’s Mali a nation situated south of the Sahara. As of 2014, it had a total population of about 17.14 million, a 38% increase from 2006, when its population estimated to 12.38 million.
With 1.48 million hectares harvested and a total production value of $197.25 million, pearl millet the most widely harvested crop in Mali in terms of area.
Millet Farming in India
In India, millets grown as a profitable and environmentally friendly crop. They are nutrient-dense, adaptable crops that grow well in India and can help ensure food security. This is a detailed guide on growing millets in India.
Choose the Millet Varieties
India grows a variety of millet varieties, including foxtail millet, little millet, finger millet (ragi), and pearl millet (bajra). Select a cultivar that well-suited to the soil and climate of your particular area. Take into account elements such as temperature, humidity, and insect resistance.
Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil well in advance provides millets with an ideal growing environment. They favour sandy loam or loamy soils with good drainage. Conduct a test to ascertain the pH and fertility of the soil. Millets typically thrive in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.5). To enhance soil fertility and structure, incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Climate Requirements
Millets typically cultivated up to 2,100 metres above sea level in subtropical and tropical climates. They are heat-loving plants, and a minimum temperature of 8 to 10°C needed for germination. During growth, a mean temperature range of 26–29°C is ideal for healthy development and high crop yield.
The Sowing Period
In the northern and central regions of the nation, the first two weeks of July mark the begning of the monsoon season, which is when kharif pearl millet should be sown. In Tamil Nadu, the first two weeks of October are when the rabi season begins. If there is a sparse population, fill the gap by transplanting seedlings two to three weeks after sowing. It advised to sow dry seeds in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra before the onset of the monsoon season. In order to increase summer pearl millet production in zone B, it recommended that the crop sown between the fourth and fifth Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMW) or the final week of January and the first week of February.
Irrigation
If water is available, irrigation should used at the time of critical stages of crop growth, such as tillering, flowering, and grain development, during extended dry spells. Pearl millet needs to watered in the summer at regular intervals (0.75-1.0IW/CPE with 40 mm), depending on the group’s needs.
Harvesting
When the millet grains have reached maturity and taken on a golden brown or straw colour, they are ready to harvested. Harvesting times vary depending on the variety. Harvest finger millet when the panicles begin to droop and the grains become hard. Harvest pearl millet when the grains are dry and firm. Using a sickle or scythe, cut the crop close to the ground, then gather the harvested crop.
Challenges in Millet Farming
- The deficient infrastructure and inputs, feeble market connections and demand, and inadequate cognizance and understanding regarding the nutritional and ecological advantages of millets.
- The process of processing turns an inedible grain into an edible one, improving its quality. Processing millets is important when using them as food. It is necessary to give food a longer shelf life, improve flavour and appearance, and make cooking easier.
- Millets have been shown to have health benefits and are incredibly nutritious. However, once processed, millets have a short shelf life because of their inherent enzyme activity (lipase activity, lipid oxidation, etc.), which quickly develops bitterness and rancidity. Moreover, moisture and water activity are common in millet products.
Conclusion
India’s diverse millet varieties, which range from finger millet to foxtail millet, offer a wealth of health advantages and reflect the nation’s culinary diversity. Rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, fibre, and vital vitamins, each type of millet distinguished by its special benefits for blood, bone, digestion, and general health. These versatile grains suit a variety of dietary needs, including those looking to improve their heart health or build muscle. They are also suitable for gluten-free diets.
These are all about different types of millets and their benefits in India. For more agricultural topics like this, stay tuned with Tractor Junction.
FAQ
Q1. What is the king of all millets?
Ans. Sorghum is the king of all millets.
Q2. Who is the queen of millets?
Ans. Raimati Ghiuria is the queen of millets.
Q3. Who is the father of millet?
Ans. Khadar Vali is the father of millets.
Q4. Which is the fastest growing millet?
Ans. Foxtail, proso, Japanese and browntop millet are the fastest growing millets.
Q5. Which are the unpolished millets?
Ans. Unpolished millets not processed mechanically. They are very nutritious and give your body great nutrition. Jowar, ragi, and bare common unpolished or bare millet varieties. Since they are simple to eat, they have enjoyed great popularity among the general public for many years.
Q6. Why millets are important?
Ans. Millets are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, protein, and other vital nutrients in addition to vitamins and minerals.
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