Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum)
- Botanical Name: Paspalum scrobiculatum
- Chromosome Number (2n): 40
- Origin: India (also cultivated in West Africa)
- Nickname: Kodra / Varagu (Tamil)
- Pollination: Self-pollinated
- Duration: 100–120 days (medium duration)
- Inflorescence: Racemose panicle with paired spikelets
- Protein Content: 8–9%
Nutritional Value
- Very rich in dietary fiber (highest among small millets)
- Good for weight management, diabetes, and gut health
- Gluten-free, suitable for traditional recipes
Climate Requirement
- Thrives in hot & dry climates
- Optimum temp.: 25–30°C
- Rainfall: 400–600 mm
- Extremely hardy, grows on marginal & shallow soils
Soil Requirement
- Well-drained sandy loam to red soils
- Can tolerate poor fertility soils
- pH: 5.5–7.5
Major Growing States; Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha
Harvest & Yield; Grain yield: 8–12 q/ha. Straw yield: 20–25 q/ha
Barnyard Millet (Sanwa – Echinochloa frumentacea)
- Botanical Name: Echinochloa frumentacea (Indian barnyard millet) / E. esculenta (Japanese barnyard millet)
- Chromosome Number (2n): 36
- Origin: Japan & India
- Nickname: Sanwa, Oodalu, Shyama, Jhangora
- Pollination: Self-pollinated
- Duration: 60–75 days (shortest among small millets, very fast growing)
- Inflorescence: Panicle, open or compact
- Protein Content: 11–12%
Nutritional Value
- Rich in iron (highest among small millets)
- Good source of fiber & calcium
- Low glycemic index, recommended for diabetics
- Common fasting food in India (Navratri, Ekadashi)
Climate Requirement
- Cool to warm climates
- Optimum temp.: 20–30°C
- Rainfall: 500–700 mm
- Can be grown in uplands and hilly areas
Soil Requirement
- Well-drained sandy loam soils
- Tolerates poor soils
- pH: 5.5–7.0
Major Growing States; Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh
Harvest & Yield; Grain yield: 10–15 q/ha. Straw yield: 25–30 q/ha
Little Millet (Kutki – Panicum sumatrense)
- Botanical Name: Panicum sumatrense
- Chromosome Number (2n): 36
- Origin: India & Southeast Asia
- Nickname: Kutki, Sama, Shavan, Samai
- Pollination: Self-pollinated
- Duration: 80–100 days (short duration, drought hardy)
- Inflorescence: Compact panicle
- Protein Content: 7–8%
Nutritional Value
- Rich in iron, fiber, and minerals
- Good for traditional recipes (upma, pongal, porridge)
- Gluten-free & suitable for diabetics
Climate Requirement
- Warm, dry conditions; drought-resistant
- Optimum temp.: 25–30°C
- Rainfall: 400–600 mm
Soil Requirement
- Light-textured, well-drained sandy loam soils
- Can be grown on poor soils & hilly terrains
Major Growing States; Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Harvest & Yield; Grain yield: 10–12 q/ha. Straw yield: 20–25 q/ha
Key Points for Revision
- Kodo Millet → Richest in dietary fiber, hardy crop.
- Barnyard Millet → Richest in iron, fastest-growing millet (60–75 days).
- Little Millet → Drought-resistant, traditional food use.
