Did you know that India produces about 12 million MTs of millets annually, and accounts for more than four-fifths of Asia’s millet cropping area? Millets—a group of small-seeded grasses known for their resilience to harsh growing conditions—have gained increasing attention in the agricultural sector due to their numerous benefits for the farmer and the consumer alike. So, does it mean that cultivating millets offers better opportunities for commercial growers over traditional crops? From nutritional value to climate resilience and income diversification, foxtail millets offer a holistic solution to modern agricultural challenges. 
 
Here are some of the key features of millets, according to food regulator FSSAI's 'Eat Right India' portal: 

  • Millets grow faster than grains such as rice and wheat
  • Shorter life cycle than grains
  • Pose relatively less stress on the environment than grains
  • Millets grow organically with minimal chemical inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides
  • They survive in low water and nutrients
  • They need less rainfall 
  • Highly tolerant to extreme weather conditions such as drought 
  • Resistant to pests and diseases
  • High in yield 
  • Easy to absorb for the body: gluten-free, highly nutritious & rich in dietary fiber 
  • Rich in micronutrients such as calcium, iron and phosphorus
  • Low in Glycemic Index (they do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar)
  • A good source of protein, micronutrients and phytochemicals
  • They contain 7-12 per cent protein, 2-5 per cent fat, 65-75 per cent carbohydrates and 15-20 per cent dietary fibre

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A revolutionary variety of millets, with grains quite similar to paddy rice, offers double the amount of protein found in rice. Foxtail millet (setaria italica), often known as ‘kangani’ or ‘kakun’ in India, is one of the oldest cultivated millets. It is the third largest crop among the millets, cultivated for food in semi-arid tropics of Asia and as forage in Europe, North America, Australia, and North Africa, according to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the country’s apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture.

Foxtail millets have emerged as a superior crop option for farmers, offering a range of advantages over traditional grains like wheat and rice.

Here are 10 things to know about foxtail millets:
 

  • Foxtail millets are not only highly nutritious but also gluten-free, making them a healthy alternative for consumers with dietary restrictions, according to studies by the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR). 
  • One of the standout features of foxtail millets is their remarkable water efficiency compared to wheat and rice. 
  • The Rajendra Kauni-1 variety of foxtail millets takes about 80 days to mature, and a good produce of foxtail millets requires 4-6 kilograms of seeds per hectare, say experts. 
  • According to research by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), foxtail millets require significantly less water for cultivation, making them well-suited for regions facing water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns.
  • Foxtail millets have emerged as a superior crop option for farmers, offering a range of advantages over traditional grains like wheat and rice. Let's delve into the key points that make foxtail millets a better choice for farmers, supported by credible sources.
  • Foxtail millets are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium. 
  • According to studies by the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), these millets are not only highly nutritious but also gluten-free, making them a healthy alternative for consumers with dietary restrictions.
  • In the face of climate change challenges, foxtail millets have demonstrated superior resilience to extreme weather conditions. Reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations indicate that these millets exhibit better tolerance to drought and high temperatures, ensuring more stable yields for farmers in unpredictable climates.
  • Cultivating foxtail millets contributes to improved soil health and sustainability. 
  • The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasises that these millets have a low carbon footprint and help enhance soil fertility, promoting long-term agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.