Finger Millet: A Nutritious Crop with Resilience and Versatility

Authors

  • C. Mounika ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (110 012), India
  • Peram Nagaseshi Reddy Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Rajendhra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar (848 125), India
  • M. Ramesh Naik ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India
  • Meka Shivaram Reddy Department of Agronomy, Dr. Rajendhra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar (848 125), India

Keywords:

Finger millet, nutritional security, climate resilience, millet-based diets, agrobiodiversity

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), an ancient and climate-resilient millet, is a staple in semi-arid and hilly regions, particularly in India and Africa. Thriving in diverse soil types and withstanding drought conditions, it plays a crucial role in food security and sustainable agriculture. The crop is self-pollinated, highly adaptable, and can be cultivated up to 2100 meters above sea level. With improved varieties and agronomic practices, productivity has increased despite a stable cultivation area. Finger millet requires minimal inputs, responding well to biofertilizers and strategic nutrient management. Effective weed and pest control, along with timely irrigation, further enhance yields. It is commonly grown as a sole crop, intercropped with sorghum and pulses, or rotated with crops like rice and sugarcane. Beyond its agronomic advantages, finger millet’s superior nutritional profile rich in calcium, iron, and fiber makes it a valuable crop for combating malnutrition. Its promotion can support rural livelihoods and climate-resilient farming systems.

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Published

2020-12-21

Issue

Vol. 4 No. Dec, 2 (2020)

Section

Articles