Types of Millets in India – Status, Importance & Top Millet-Producing States

Table of Contents

• Overview of Millets
• What are the Different Types of Millets in India?
  • Bajra (Pearl Millet)
  • Jowar (Sorghum)
  • Ragi (Finger Millet)
  • Kodra (Kodo Millet)
  • Sanwa (Branyard Millet)
  • Kangni (Foxtail Millet)
  • Chena (Proso Millet)
  • Kutki (Little Millet)
  • Browntop Millet (Dixie signalgrass)
• What is the Nutritional Value of Millets?
• What is the Importance of Millets for Farmers in India?
• What is the Status of Millet Production in India?
• Which are the Top Millets Producing States in India?
• What are the Government Initiatives for Increasing Millet Production in India?

Overview of Millets

The word 'Millet' comes from the Latin word 'Milum', which means grain. Millets belong to the Poaceae family, and they are a group of Coarse cereals. Millet was one of the first crops domesticated as a food crop, and the ancient text Yajurveda also mentions millets as a nutritious cereal.  

Millet is commonly cultivated in Asian and African countries. Today, millets are classified as super foods and future crops as they are highly nutritious, drought-resistant, and low in glycemic index.

What are the Different Types of Millets in India?

India, with its varied climate and soil, is ideal for cultivating different types of millets. These millet varieties differ in color, appearance, texture, grain size, and species. Most millet crops require low to medium water, full sunlight, and grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Bajra (Pearl Millet)

Bajra is also known as pearl millet, and its scientific name is Pennisetum typhoids. It is the most cultivated millet in India. Among the top bajra producing states, Rajasthan remained the leading producer of Bajra. Bajra continues to have the highest niacin content among all cereals and is rich in protein and dietary fiber.

Jowar (Sorghum)

Jowar is also known as Sorghum, and its scientific name is Sorghum vulgare. Due to its whole-grain goodness and being gluten-free, it is known worldwide as the 'new quinoa'. These are rich in B-carotene, folic acid, and riboflavin, and the presence of prolamin makes them easily digestible in cooking. It is the second most important millet grown in India. The top states where Jowar Farming is prevalent are Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.

Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is scientifically named Eleusine coracana. Ragi cultivation requires red loamy soil to sandy loamy soil. Karnataka is the leading producer of ragi in the country, and India is the world's leading producer of ragi. They are one of the best sources of calcium. They also contain sulphur-rich amino acids, which make them an ideal weaning food.

Kodra (Kodo Millet)

The scientific name of Kodo millet is Paspalum scorbiculatum, and it is pinkish in color. It primarily grows in the Deccan Plateau regions of the country and extends to the foothills of the Himalayas. The phosphorus content is lowest in Kodo millets compared to other millets. Furthermore, it is rich in antioxidants, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and other essential minerals. It also features lecithin, which is known for its ability to strengthen the nervous system.

Sanwa (Barnyard Millet)

It is also called Sanwa or Jhangora, and its scientific name is Echinochloa esculenta. It is a short-duration crop that can grow in challenging environmental conditions. It is valued for its high nutritional content and low cost of cultivation. It is rich in micronutrients, such as zinc and iron. The presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and beta-glucan content helps reduce blood lipid levels.

Kangni (Foxtail Millet)

It is also known as Kangani or Kakun, and its scientific name is Setaria italica. Foxtail millet has the highest protein among all the millet varieties. It is mainly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Kangni is considered one of the best digestible and non-allergenic grains, with a nutty flavor and a high content of iron and copper.

Chena (Proso Millet)

Proso Millet, also called Cheena, is a plant with the scientific name Panicum miliaceum. It is used for various purposes, including human consumption, bird feed, and ethanol production. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. It has the highest protein content, along with high calcium, which helps lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels.

Kutki (Little Millet)

Little Millet is also called Kutki, and its scientific name is Panicum miliare. This millet type is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and fibre. It contains high dietary fibre and antioxidant properties, along with high iron content. It is a minor millet grown in regions with altitudes of 2100 m. It is a twin of proso millet, but its seeds are much smaller.

Browntop Millet (Dixie signalgrass)

The scientific name of Browntop Millet is Urochloa ramosa, and its color is greenish with brown at the top. It requires medium water and medium sunlight for its growth. A soil with a pH value of 5.5 – 8.0 is ideal for its cultivation. It is a good source of zinc, iron, and fiber.

What is the Nutritional Value of Millets?

Millets are highly nutritious and have high amounts of fiber, calcium, protein, and carbohydrates. Thus, millets also provide numerous health benefits to consumers as they are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients. Some health benefits include aiding weight loss, boosting immunity, managing diabetes, and improving digestion, among others.

What is the Importance of Millets for Farmers in India?

Millets offer numerous ecological and economic benefits. They help improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers practicing dryland farming in arid and semi-arid regions of the country.

• Millets have a short cropping season, ranging from 75 to 120 days.
• They can easily grow in low-fertility soil and on shallow terrains.
• They are highly adaptable to extreme temperatures and deficient rainfall.
• These crops are drought-tolerant, pest, and disease-resistant.
• They are economical to grow as they require minimal fertilizers and pesticides.
• They require less investment, minimal storage conditions, and have a prolonged shelf life.
• By offering multiple harvests throughout the year, they provide a sustainable livelihood and an assured income.

What is the Status of Millet Production in India?

Today, millets are grown in 131 countries worldwide, and India is the biggest producer of millets, with a 38.4% share in the global production. According to the APEDA under the Commerce Ministry, the total millet production in India in FY24 was 180.15 lakh tonnes.

In 2024–25, India exported a total of 89,164.96 tonnes of millets, and the total value of these exports stood at 37 million USD. The top importing nations include Nepal, the UAE, Senegal, the USA, Japan, and Germany.

Which are the top Millet Producing States in India?

As per PIB press release, Rajasthan is the largest millet-producing state in India, with a production of 53.96 lakh tonnes. Refer to the table below to identify the top millet-producing states in India for the year 2024-25.

Rajasthan has the largest millet production and the largest area under its cultivation. However, in terms of productivity (yield kg per hectare), Andhra Pradesh is the number one state, followed by Gujarat and Haryana.

What are the Government Initiatives for Increasing Millet Production in India?

Due to numerous health and economic benefits, millets are now considered a key to ensuring food security in India. To tackle malnutrition in India and achieve the 'zero hunger' goal by 2030 under the UN Sustainable Development Goal, the Indian government has prioritized millet production and its consumption. These initiatives include:

• Raising awareness among the Indian population about the health benefits of millets in celebration of the UN International Year of Millets 2023.
• Rebranded millets from 'Coarse Cereals' to 'Nutri Cereals.’
• Declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets to promote the demand generation of millets.
• Promoting millet production as part of the National Food Security Mission (NFSM).