The most extensively cultivated millet is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum, P. typhoides, Pryhpideum, and P. americanum). Large stems, leaves, and heads characterise this summer cereal grass. In terms of farmed land and contributions to food security in parts of Africa and Asia that can only produce limited amounts of other crops, pearl millet is the most significant species of millet. Compared to other millet such as sorghum or maize, it utilizes moisture more effectively, Condensed panicles (spiked) measuring 10 to 150 cm In length, support the grain. Under conditions of heat and drought, Pearl Millets has the highest yield potential of all millets. Pearl millet can be beneficial in the process of weight loss as it is high in fiber content and also give satiety as it takes a longer time to pass through the stomach to the intestine. It has been found that due to its high fiber content risk of occurrence of gall stone is low. Pearl millet had phosphorus and a rich source of calcium which helps to attain peak bone density.

Production of Pearl Millet in India

Production(000 Tonnes) 4th Advance Estimated Data

Sr No.

State

2020-2021

2021-22*

2022-2023*

1

Rajasthan

4561.47

3751.04

5151.75

2

Uttar Pradesh

2014.45

1949.02

1777.66

3

Haryana

1350.14

1119.83

1006.32

4

Gujarat

1008.89

1056.15

311.86

5

Madhya Pradesh

737.71

868.82

757.37

6

Maharashtra

656.56

475.34

412.09

7

Karnataka

275.5

170.67

185.51

8

Tamil Nadu

158.89

157.33

80.41

9

Andhra Pradesh

70.71

55.24

46.79

10

Telangana

9.3

3.29

0


Other states

19.55

17.21

17.85


Total

10863.17

9623.94

9747.61

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

Pearl Millet Nutrient per 100g

Nutrient per 100g
Energy (Kcal) 361
Protein 11.6 g
Carbohydrate 65.5 g
Crude Fibre 1.2 g
Calcium 42mg
Iron 8.0 mg

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