Eleusine coracana

Eleusine coracana

Eleusine coracana, commonly known as finger millet or ragi, is an important cereal crop belonging to the family Poaceae. Native to the highlands of East Africa and widely cultivated in India and other parts of Asia and Africa, finger millet is renowned for its exceptional nutritional value and resilience to harsh environmental conditions. The plant is an annual grass, typically growing up to 1.5 meters tall, with slender stems and characteristic finger-like inflorescences that give the crop its common name. The small, round grains are rich in calcium, dietary fiber, and essential amino acids, making them a staple in traditional diets and a valuable food source for combating malnutrition. Finger millet is highly adaptable, thriving in poor soils and drought-prone regions, and is often grown using low-input, sustainable agricultural practices. Its grains are used to prepare a variety of foods, including porridge, flatbreads, and fermented beverages. Due to its nutritional profile and climate resilience, Eleusine coracana is increasingly recognized as a crop of significance for food security and sustainable agriculture.