Another significant staple grain in Eastern Africa and Asia is finger millet (Eleusine coracana), often known as ragi in India (India, Nepal. At the top of the stem, the plant has many spikes or "fingers." The grains are tiny (I-2 mm in diameter). Finger millet grains are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and proteins. Finger millet, which is rich in calcium plays an important role in growing children, pregnant women as Well as people suffering from obesity, diabetes and malnutrition. It contains high amount of potassium for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brains and allows the brain and muscles to work smoothly.

Production of Finger Millet in India

Production(000 Tonnes) 4th Advance Estimated Data

Sr. No.

State

2020-2021

2021-22*

2022-2023*

1

Karnataka

1369.83

1132.57

1125.73

2

Tamil Nadu

288.64

220.64

180

3

Uttarakhand

129.85

127.11

127.11

4

Maharashtra

93.92

92.9

79.12

5

Andhra Pradesh

39.5

30

26.01

6

Odisha

32.88

43.63

37.38

7

Jharkhand

16.4

16.7

9.79

8

Gujarat

12.62

18.99

9.49

9

West Bengal

6.47

6.26

1.5

10

Bihar

2.58

1.9

2.22


Other states

5.65

5.32

3.11


Total

1998.34

1696.02

1601.46

Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)

Finger Millet Nutrient per 100g

Nutrient per 100g
Energy (Kcal) 328
Protein 7.3 g
Carbohydrate 72 g
Crude Fibre 2.6 g
Calcium 344 mg
Iron 8.9 mg

Source: Nutritive value of Indian food, NIN, ICMR 2018