Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) is a highly nutritious cereal crop primarily grown in Africa and Asia. Here’s a detailed description:

1. General Characteristics

• Scientific Name: Eleusine coracana


• Common Names: Finger millet, Ragi (India), African millet, Kodo (Nepal), and other regional names.


• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)


• Origin: Believed to have originated in Africa (Uganda/Ethiopia) and later spread to Asia.

2. Plant Description

• Growth Habit: Annual grass, growing 30–150 cm tall.


• Leaves: Long, narrow, and arranged alternately on the stem.


• Inflorescence: Distinctive finger-like spikes (usually 5-7), resembling a hand, hence the name "finger millet."


• Seeds: Tiny, round, and vary in color (reddish-brown, white, or black).

3. Nutritional Value

Finger millet is a nutrient-dense grain, rich in:

• Calcium (5–10 times more than other cereals)


• Iron and Dietary Fiber


• Essential Amino Acids (Methionine, Lysine, Tryptophan)


• Low Glycemic Index (Good for diabetics)


• Gluten-Free (Suitable for celiac disease patients)

4. Cultivation & Adaptability

• Climate: Thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, drought-resistant.


• Soil: Grows well in well-drained loamy or sandy soils.


• Water Requirement: Low compared to rice and wheat.

5. Uses

• Food: Used to make porridge, roti (flatbread), dosa, idli, malt, and beverages.


• Health Benefits: Helps in bone strength, anemia prevention, and digestion.


• Animal Feed: Stalks and leaves are used as fodder.

6. Economic & Environmental Importance

• Sustainable Crop: Requires fewer inputs (fertilizers, pesticides).


• Food Security: Vital for small farmers in drought-prone areas.

Finger millet is gaining global attention as a superfood due to its high nutritional value and climate resilience.