Pearl Millet
Pearl Millet
Blog Article
Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum), also known as Bajra in India, is a highly nutritious, drought-tolerant cereal crop widely grown in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Here’s a detailed description:
1. Botanical Characteristics
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Growth Habit: Annual, tall (1–4 m), erect, with robust stems.
- Leaves: Long (30–100 cm), narrow, with serrated edges.
- Inflorescence: Dense, cylindrical spike (10–150 cm long) bearing small, pearl-like grains (3–4 mm in diameter).
- Grains: Spherical, usually grayish-white, yellow, or brown; hard texture.
2. Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 67–73 g
- Protein: 11–12 g (rich in essential amino acids)
- Fiber: 8–9 g
- Minerals: High in iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
- Gluten-free: Suitable for celiac disease patients.
3. Cultivation & Adaptability
- Climate: Thrives in hot, dry conditions (25–32°C); tolerates poor soils.
- Rainfall: Grows in low rainfall (250–700 mm/year).
- Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates salinity.
- Maturity: Fast-growing (70–120 days).
4. Uses
- Food:
- Flour for flatbreads (e.g., Bajra Roti in India).
- Porridge, fermented foods, and snacks.
- Fodder: Stalks and leaves used as livestock feed.
- Industrial: Biofuel production and brewing (e.g., traditional African beers).
5. Benefits
- Drought-resistant: Vital for food security in dry regions.
- Health: Supports digestion, bone health, and diabetes management due to low glycemic index.
- Soil Improvement: Used in crop rotation to enhance soil fertility.
6. Major Producers
- Africa: Nigeria, Niger, Sudan.
- Asia: India (largest producer), Pakistan.
- Others: China, Brazil.