🌾 Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) – Description
Kodo millet is a small-grained cereal crop belonging to the grass family Poaceae. It is one of the ancient millets cultivated in India and parts of Africa, well-suited to dry and marginal lands. Known for its resilience to drought and poor soils, Kodo millet is often grown as a rainfed crop in tropical and subtropical regions.
Botanical Description:
Scientific Name:Paspalum scrobiculatum
Common Names: Kodo millet (English), Varagu (Tamil), Arikelu (Telugu), Harka (Kannada), Kodon (Hindi), Kodra (Marathi)
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Type: Annual grass
Height: 30–90 cm
Inflorescence: Panicle type with small round grains enclosed in husks
Grain Color: Light brown to greyish white after dehulling
Nutritional Value (per 100g of raw grain):
Energy: ~350 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~65–70%
Protein: ~8–10%
Dietary Fiber: ~9–10%
Fat: ~3–4%
Rich in: Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Antioxidants, and Polyphenols
Health Benefits:
Gluten-free and easy to digest
Helps manage diabetes due to its low glycemic index
Supports heart health and weight management
High in fiber, aiding digestion and detoxification
Uses:
Consumed as porridge, upma, dosa, idli, or rice substitute