Jowar: Sorghum in English, Juar in Bengali, Gujarati and Hindi, Jola in Kannada, Cholam in Malayalam, and Tamil, Jwari in Marathi, Janha in Oriya and Jonnalu in Telugu

 

Jowar is one of the most popular types of grain consumed in India. After wheat, the maximum amount of cultivated land in India is used for growing Jowar. It is grown in warm areas and is used in the form of food as well as fodder. Jowar is rich in calcium, iron, protein, and fibre compared to rice and wheat. Jowar is also found to help in reducing the levels of cholesterol. It is also gluten-free, therefore preferable for people who can't consume wheat-based products.

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Bajra: Pearl Millet in English, Bajra in Bengali, Hindi and Oriya, Bajri in Gujarati and Marathi, Sajje in Kannada, Bajr’u in Kashmiri), Cambu in Malayalam and Tamil and Sazzalu in Telugu.

 

Bajra is commonly used to make the flatbread bhakri. It is also boiled and used to make an Indian porridge called Kambam Choru. Bajra is a staple grain in many parts of India, used in a variety of dishes. It has much more iron content than rice. It is also a powerhouse of protein, fibre, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It is also known to ease digestive problems. After consuming Bajra, one feels light as it is super soft on our digestive system, therefore it doesn't load the gut, all because it's gluten-free.

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Ragi: Finger Millet in English, Madua in Bengali and Hindi, Bhav in Gujarati, Ragi in Kannada, Moothari in Malayalam, Nachni in Marathi, Mandia in Oriya, Kezhvaragu in Tamil and Ragulu in Telugu

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Ragi is the staple diet of the people in the south of India. In the North of the country, it is popularly known as "Nachni". It is a healthy and a better replacement for rice and wheat. Nutrition wise, it is loaded with calcium, iron, and protein. It is also a healthy grain for diabetic patients because it has a low glycaemic index.

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Kodra: Kodo Millet in English, Harka in Kannda, Varagu in Tamil, Arikelu or Arika in Telegu, Varagu in Malayalam, Kodra in Marathi and Gujarati, Kodo in Bengali and Kodua in Oriya

 

It resembles close to Rice, almost replaceable to it.  It is a very hardy crop that is drought tolerant and can survive on marginal fertile soils where other crops may not survive and can supply 450–900 kg of grain per hectare. It has many Nutritional benefits, It is easily digestible and is rich in phytochemicals and Antioxidants. Studies show that consuming Kodo Millet reduces knee and joint pains.

 

Rala: Foxtail Millet in English, Syama dhan in Bengali, Ral Kang in Gujarati, Kangni in Hindi), Thene in Kannada, Shol in Kashmiri, Thina in Malayalam, Rala in Marathi), Kaon in Punjabi), Thenai in Tamil and Korralu in Telugu.

 

It is the second-most widely planted species of millet and the most important in East Asia. It has the longest history of cultivation among the millets, having been grown in India since antiquity. According to recent research, it was first domesticated in China around 6,000 B.C. Rala is rich in complex carbohydrates. It is also rich in dietary fibre and minerals like copper and iron.

 

Little Millet: Kutki in Hindi, Same in Kannada, Samai in Tamil, Samalu in Telugu, Chama in Malyalam, Sava in Marathi, Gajro in Gujarati.

 

It is grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar but mainly in Madhya Pradesh.  It Has nearly 2.5 times minerals and nearly 38 times fibre and nearly 13 times Iron than Rice. It also has a lesser amount of carbohydrates than Wheat and rice and has abundant quantities of Thiamin (Vitamin B1), also it reduces chances of heart attacks & aids in Digestion.

 

Proso Millet: Barre in Hindi, Baragu in Kannada, Panivaragu in Malayalam & Tamil, Varagalu in Telugu, Vari in Marathi, Cheno in Gujarati.

 

Proso millet is grown largely in the hills of Uttar Pradesh, North-Eastern region and plains of North Bihar and Western Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.  It is completely gluten-free, has significant amounts of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Apart from these, it also contains essential minerals like phosphorus, manganese, magnesium etc. Also, it is easy to grow. 

 

Barnyard Millet: Sanwa in Hindi, Oodalu in Kannada, Kuthiravaali in Tamil, Udalu in Telugu, Shamul in Marathi, Moraiyo or Sama in Gujarati.

 

The barnyard millet is a wholesome grain over and above common cereal grains like rice, wheat, semolina (Rawa) and by no means should be restricted to just the fasting days. It holds benefits rendered by millet grains, is easily available across India, is highly economical and makes a tasteful food for all age groups.