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 'Millet' name traces its origin to 'Milum', which is Latin for grain. Millets are a group of Coarse cereals belonging to the Poaceae family. The word millet is derived from the French word 'mille', which means a handful of millets contains thousands of seed grains. India has a long history of millet cultivation, and the famous Yajurveda text mentions these nutritious cereals. In fact, millet was one of the first crops domesticated as a food crop. They are commonly cultivated in Asian and African countries. Today, millets are popularly known as Nutri-cereals, super foods, and future crops because they are nutritiously rich, 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 colour, appearance, texture, grain size and species. The cultivation of almost all millet varieties requires medium water, medium sunlight and soil with pH values ranging from 4.5 - 8.

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. In 2022-23, it contributed 66% to the total millet production in India. Among the top bajra producing states, Rajasthan is the leading producer of Bajra in India. Bajra has the highest niacin content among all cereals, and it 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 on cooking.   

It is the second most important millet grown in India. In 2022-23, its share in total millet production was 22%, and Maharashtra is the leading producer of Jowar in India. Other states where Jowar Farming is prevalent are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.

Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is scientifically named Eleusine coracana. Ragi cultivation requires red loamy soil to sandy loamy soil. In 2022-23, it contributed around 10% to the total millet production in India. 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 colour. 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 flavour 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 colour 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 fibre.

What is the Nutritional Value of Millets?

Millets are highly nutritious and have high amounts of fibre, 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, helping in diabetes management, 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. India holds a 26.6% share of the world's total millet cropping area and 83% of Asia's total millet cropping area. According to the APEDA under the Commerce Ministry, the total millet production in India in FY24 was 153.80 lakh tons, and the area under millet cultivation was 121.90 lakh hectares. The average yield per hectare for millets in India is 1,239 kg. India is also among the top exporters of millets globally, with an export volume of 1.46 lakh MT worth 70.89 million USD in FY24. The top importing nations include Nepal, the UAE, Senegal, the USA, Japan, and Germany.

Which are the top Millet Producing States in India?

Rajasthan is the largest millet-producing state in India, with a production of 56.74 lakh tons. Refer to the table below to identify the top millet-producing states in India for the year 2022-23.

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).