Problem and Prospects of Finger Millet Production in India: A Review

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), locally known as ragi or mandua, holds a significant agricultural and nutritional importance, especially in regions like southern India and hilly areas in the north. This grain boasts a unique composition with a five-layered testa and high dietary fiber content, making it a valuable source of protein (7.3g), carbohydrates (72g), minerals (2.7g), iron (3.9mg), calcium (344mg) and phosphorus (283mg). Despite its nutritional properties, finger millet cultivation has seen a decline in India over the past decades, primarily due to challenges such as drought, heat stress, low productivity, and limited access to certified seeds, Cultural Barriers, Market Support, and Research & Innovation. Additionally, pests and diseases, notably blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, pose significant threats to yield. Looking ahead, finger millet holds promise as a climate-resilient crop, but research gaps persist, particularly in genomic resources and trait dissection. None the less, there is a growing resurgence of interest in millets globally due to their nutritional benefits and resilience to environmental stressors, driving efforts to promote their cultivation through improved varieties such as GPU-28 lead’s to significant production of ragi and agronomic practices. Moreover, implementing effective government policies, such as better market facilities and minimum support prices and effective nutrient management, bio fertilizer application, initiatives in fortified crop and stress resilient trait development research initiatives will incentivize farmers to cultivate finger millet.