Types of Millets

Millets are ancient grains known for their high nutritional value and are important staple crops for smallholder dryland farmers. They are good for consumers, the planet, and farmers, and can help address issues such as poor diet, climate change, water scarcity, environmental degradation, and rural poverty. Millets have a low carbon footprint, are climate-smart, and can grow in warm climates with very little water, making them a good risk management strategy for farmers.

1. Pearl Millet (Bajra):

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a nutritious "nutricereal" rich in energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc. It's gluten-free, alkaline, drought-resistant, and less prone to fungal infections. It's also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including nutritionally important n-3 fatty acids. Sorghum, another crop grown in India, is rich in fiber and minerals, and is also gluten-free.

2.      Sorghum (Jowar):

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), also known as Jowar, is a heat- and drought-resistant cereal crop cultivated for human consumption and feed purposes. It is a good source of energy, providing 349 K Cal and 72.6% carbohydrates. Sorghum is rich in dietary fiber (14.3%) and contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron at 25 mg, 222 mg, and 4.1 mg (per 100 g of edible portion), respectively. The grain's major carbohydrate is starch, with varying amylose content (21.28%).

3.      Finger Millet (Ragi):

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] is a cereal grass grown for its grain and is the sixth most produced crop in India. It's high in calcium, protein, dietary fiber, and minerals. It also contains beneficial compounds like polyphenols, phytates, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors, which have been classified as neutraceuticals.

4.      Small Millets:

4.1.  Foxtail millet:

Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] is a nutritious crop widely grown in India. It's rich in protein, fiber, calcium, and vitamins, and has a sweet nutty flavor. Foxtail millet helps to control blood sugar and cholesterol, increases disease resistance, and is recommended for people with diabetes and gastric problems. It's also rich in dietary fiber and minerals like copper and iron, making it an ideal food for children and pregnant women.

4.2. Barnyard millet:

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is an all-season crop grown mostly in the tropics, including India. It has 10.5% protein, 3.6% fat, 68.8% carbohydrate, and 398 kcal/100 g energy. The total dietary fibre content is 12.6%, and the digestibility of protein is 40%.

4.3. Kodo Millet:

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) is a coarse grain with high fibre and antioxidant potential. It contains 8.3% protein, 1.4% fat, and 65.5% carbohydrate. It is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka and is recommended as a substitute for rice for patients with diabetes.

4.4. Proso Millet:

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an Indian-originated crop, largely grown in several states including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. It has been reported to improve glycemic responses and insulin in type 2 diabetic mice. It has a protein content similar to wheat, but no gluten and is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as copper and magnesium.

4.5. Little Millet:

Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense) is a quick-growing, drought-resistant cereal cultivated mostly in the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. It is rich in fiber, cholesterol-lowering, suitable for growing children, and helpful for diabetic patients. The grain contains 8.7 g protein, 75.7 g carbohydrate, 5.3 g fat, 1.7 g mineral, and 9.3 mg iron per 100 g grain. It is also a good source of nutraceutical components such as phenols, tannins, and phytates.