All Millets

Explore India's 9 major and minor millets — nutrition, recipes, history, and more.

Showing 9 millets

Pearl Millet grains
Major Millet

Pearl Millet

Pennisetum glaucum

(Bajra)

India's most widely grown millet, a staple of Rajasthan and Gujarat

Gluten-Free
Finger Millet grains
Major Millet

Finger Millet

Eleusine coracana

(Ragi)

The calcium champion — nature's richest non-dairy calcium source among cereals

Gluten-Free
Sorghum grains
Major Millet

Sorghum

Sorghum bicolor

(Jowar)

The versatile powerhouse — high in fiber, antioxidants, and culinary adaptability

Gluten-Free
Foxtail Millet grains
Minor Millet

Foxtail Millet

Setaria italica

(Kangni / Thinai)

One of the oldest cultivated millets — rich in protein and iron, a rice alternative

Gluten-Free
Little Millet grains
Minor Millet

Little Millet

Panicum sumatrense

(Kutki / Samai)

The iron-rich tiny grain — a perfect rice substitute with high fiber content

Gluten-Free
Kodo Millet grains
Minor Millet

Kodo Millet

Paspalum scrobiculatum

(Kodo / Kodra)

The antioxidant-rich grain used for centuries in Indian fasting rituals

Gluten-Free
Barnyard Millet grains
Minor Millet

Barnyard Millet

Echinochloa frumentacea

(Sanwa / Jhangora)

The fasting grain — lowest carbohydrate content and highest fiber among millets

Gluten-Free
Proso Millet grains
Minor Millet

Proso Millet

Panicum miliaceum

(Chena / Bari)

The oldest domesticated millet — high in protein with the shortest growing season

Gluten-Free
Browntop Millet grains
Minor Millet

Browntop Millet

Urochloa ramosa (syn. Brachiaria ramosa)

(Chhoti Kangni / Korale)

The fiber champion — the rarest commercially grown millet, now making a comeback

Gluten-Free

Major vs. Minor Millets

Millets are broadly classified into two groups based on their grain size and commercial importance:

Major Millets

These are the most widely cultivated and commercially significant millets. They have larger grain sizes and higher production volumes.

Minor Millets

These are smaller-grained millets, traditionally cultivated as subsistence crops. They are gaining renewed attention for their exceptional nutritional profiles.

Naked Grains vs. Husked Grains

Millets can also be classified by their grain structure:

Naked Grain

The husk is loosely attached to the grain and separates easily during threshing. These millets can be consumed with minimal processing.

Husked Grain

The husk is tightly bound to the grain and requires mechanical dehulling before consumption. The lack of affordable small-scale dehulling machines was historically a barrier to their wider use.

Disclaimer: This content is created with the assistance of AI and is based on published research, government sources, and traditional knowledge. While we strive for accuracy, always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.