Top 10 Types Of Millets In India – श्री अन्न

Millets are मोटे अनाज a group of small-seeded grains or grass seed that are cultivated widely in India due to their nutritional benefits and resilience to adverse climatic conditions. They are known for their health benefits, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are the Top 9 Types of Millets Grown in India:

श्री अन्न (मिलेट्स) सबसे पुरानी फसलों में से एक है तथा यह फसल प्रतिकूल मौसम की स्थिति में भी बढ़ सकती है। यह फसल सबसे पहले एशिया और अफ्रीका में अनुकूल थी एवं बाद में विकसित सभ्यताओं के चलते अनाज के रूप में अखिल विश्व में फैल गई”।

1. Pearl Millet (Bajra) – बाजरा

Botanical Name: Pennisetum glaucum
Key Regions: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh
Uses: Consumed as flatbreads (roti), porridge, and used in making various traditional dishes.
Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium.

2. Finger Millet (Ragi) – रागी

Botanical Name: Eleusine coracana
Key Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
Uses: Commonly used to make flour for baking, porridge, and traditional foods like ragi mudde and ragi dosa.
Nutritional Value: Rich in calcium, protein, and iron, and beneficial for bone health.

3. Sorghum (Jowar) – ज्वार

Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolor
Key Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Uses: Made into rotis, porridges, and various snacks; used in baking and brewing.
Nutritional Value: High in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health.

4. Foxtail Millet (Kangni) – कंगनी

Botanical Name: Setaria italica
Key Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan
Uses: Used in traditional dishes like khichdi and upma, and in making flour for baking.
Nutritional Value: Rich in dietary fiber, iron, and protein, aiding in blood sugar management.

5. Barnyard Millet (Sanwa) – सामा

Botanical Name: Echinochloa esculenta
Key Regions: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Uses: Popular in fasting recipes, used to make porridge and pilafs.
Nutritional Value: High in fiber, iron, and calcium, and good for heart health and weight management.

6. Kodo Millet (Kodra) – कोदो

Botanical Name: Paspalum scrobiculatum
Key Regions: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
Uses: Used to make traditional foods like idli, dosa, and various rice substitutes.
Nutritional Value: Rich in dietary fiber, protein, and B vitamins, beneficial for digestive health.

7. Little Millet (Kutki) – कुटकी

Botanical Name: Panicum sumatrense
Key Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha
Uses: Common in making porridge, traditional rice dishes, and baked goods.
Nutritional Value: High in iron, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and blood circulation.

8. Proso Millet (Chena) – चेना

Botanical Name: Panicum miliaceum
Key Regions: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
Uses: Used in traditional dishes like porridge and pilafs, and as bird feed.
Nutritional Value: Rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.

9. Brown Top Millet (Cheena) – चीना

Botanical Name: Brachiaria ramosa
Key Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha
Uses: Utilized in traditional foods, particularly in South Indian cuisine.
Nutritional Value: High in dietary fiber and B vitamins, aiding in metabolism and gut health.

10. Fonio Millet (Acha) – अचा

Fonio Millet also called acha, A vital food source in many rural areas in parts of West Africa. Fonio Millet is one of the less popular types of millet in India, exporter in India.

Broomcorn Millet, Bulkwheat कुट्टू का आटा (Bulkwheat) is one of the major grain-like seeds.

These millets are integral to Indian agriculture and cuisine, providing diverse culinary options and significant health benefits.

सदियों से बाजरा हमारे आहार का अभिन्न अंग रहा है। स्वास्थ्य संबंधी अनेक लाभों के अलावा, बाजरा कम पानी और कम आवश्यकता के साथ पर्यावरण के लिए भी अच्छा है। बाजरे के बारे में जागरूकता पैदा करने और इसके उत्पादन और खपत को बढ़ाने के उद्देश्य से, भारत सरकार के कहने पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र ने 2023 को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बाजरा वर्ष घोषित किया है।