All About Types of Millets in Indi

Millets are a versatile crop that is widely used for food and fibre in most developing countries throughout Asia and Africa. Millions of people rely on it for food, income stability, as well as for farming efficiency. Millets help reduce CO2 percentage in the atmosphere, which helps mitigate climate change. Wheat emits a lot of methane because it is a heat-sensitive crop, and paddy are the key sources of climate change-causing emissions.

The production of millets doesn’t require chemical fertilisers. Millet crops don’t attract pests and aren’t impacted by rough storage. In terms of nutritional content, millets are one of the best sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. This article will tell you about the different types of millets consumed in India. 

Types of Millets in India

Here are the types of millets that we find in India:

• Barnyard Millets

• One of the most significant millet crops in India, the Echinochloa species has shown a steady rise in global production. 
• They are more resistant to the effects of biotic and abiotic stressors than most other plants. Barnyard millet has remained an underutilised crop despite its nutritional and agronomic advantages.
• Under ideal conditions, barnyard millet can produce ripe grains within 45 days of seeding.
• Barnyard millet has been dubbed “sanwa rice” for its similarity to broken rice when cooked. There are no distinct grains like in long-grained rice cooking. Barnyard millets are a common fasting item in India because people don’t eat cereal grains when fasting.

• Finger Millets

• Finger millet is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to its ease of cultivation and versatility as a food item. Also known as ‘ragi.’
• Indian and African populations rely heavily on finger millets as a primary source of protein, and the millet is grown in abundance in these regions. 
• Finger millets are used to prepare many traditional Indian foods, such as roti, mudde, and ambali. 
• Frequent intake of whole-grain bread and cereals and their products has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal cancer, type II diabetes, and other diseases.

• Foxtail Millet

• It is an annual grass cultivated for human consumption under the scientific name Setaria italica (also known as Panicum italicum L.). 
• When it comes to millets, it is the second most popular variety. It is most commonly grown in Asia. Cultivating foxtail millet dates back to 8,000 years in Cishan, China, along the historic Yellow River route. 
• In India, farmers have been growing foxtail millet since the beginning of time and is also known as kakum/kangni.
• As an alternative to rice, foxtail millet is an excellent choice because it keeps you full for a longer period. Iron and calcium are present in abundance in foxtail millets, which help in keeping bones and muscles strong.

• Little Millet

• It is a traditional crop grown in India and can be found all over the country. Although its seeds are much smaller, little millet is related to proso millet.
• Millet can be substituted for rice in any recipe that calls for it. 
• It is also known as kutki, shavan, and sama in India. It is a rich source of vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc.
• Whole-grain little millet can be found across the country. You can buy millet flour or make your own at home, depending on your preferences. The shelf life of small millets is quite long.

• Proso Millet

• According to archaeobotanical data, Proso millet was domesticated in northern China some 10,000 years ago. India, China, Nepal, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, the Middle East, the US, and Romania are just a few of the countries that grow a significant amount of the crop each year.
• The crop is remarkable for its short lifetime, with some kinds producing grain just 60 days after planting. Its low water requirements produce grain more effectively per unit of moisture than any other grain species examined.

• Pearl Millet

• The most extensively cultivated millet variety is pearl millet. Sometimes referred to as ‘Bajra’ in Hindi. It has been cultivated in Africa and India from prehistoric times. The Sahel region of West Africa is where the crop is most likely to have been domesticated. 
• The grains are tiny, spherical, and a bright golden yellow in appearance. The most common uses for it are in the form of food and hay. Rapid growth is the norm, and it’s well-suited to grow in locations prone to drought, such as desert climates.
• Rice, wheat, and corn are three of the world’s most popular cereals, yet they all include gluten, a protein that can cause bloating, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal discomforts. On the other hand, pearl millet is gluten-free and is most usually used as a substitute for persons who are allergic to gluten.

Conclusion

Millets have been dubbed “wonder grains” or “crops of the future” because of their drought-resistant properties and the ability to grow with minimal outside help. Millets are a versatile crop that may be used for both food and fibre. As a result, millions of families depend on millets for food and livelihood security, as well as to boost farming’s profitability. Millets help lower CO2 levels in the atmosphere to combat climate change. Wheat, on the other hand, is a temperature-sensitive crop, and paddy is a major source of methane emissions.