Little millet (kutki)

Little millet, scientifically known as Panicum sumatrense, is a minor cereal crop that is gaining recognition for its nutritional value and adaptability. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, little millet is commonly cultivated in various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This hardy crop thrives in low-fertility soils and is particularly well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions, making it an important food source for tribal and economically disadvantaged farmers.

Little millet is characterized by its small, round grains, which are typically pale yellow and have a mild, nutty flavor. It is a gluten-free grain, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. The crop is known for its excellent rejuvenating capacity, allowing it to grow with minimal inputs and withstand drought conditions, which is increasingly important in the context of climate change and water scarcity.

Nutritionally, little millet is rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It has a low glycemic index, making it beneficial for managing blood sugar levels, and is considered a healthy option for people with diabetes. The grains are also known for their good storage properties, allowing them to be stored for extended periods without the risk of pest infestation.

Kingdom:        Plantae

Order:              Poales

Family:            Poaceae

Genus:             Panicum

Species:           sumatrense

• Vernacular Name: Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Römer and Schultes is a little millet belonging to the Poaceae (Gramineae) family. The crop is also known as kutki, sawa, samai, or samalu.
• Origin: In India, little millet, or Panicum sumatrense, has a long history. It was first cultivated by historic farmers between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago. In ancient farming sites, archaeologists have discovered evidence of tiny millet, indicating that it played a significant role in India’s early agricultural history.
  Even in arid and less productive regions of India, this little grain thrives in a variety of conditions. It is prized for its capacity to flourish in harsh environments with minimal water. Little millet is a nutrient-dense grain that is high in fiber, proteins, and minerals. It is still a major crop in many regions of India today, particularly in the countryside, where conventional agricultural practices are still in place.
• Plants parts: It is an annual crop harvest. The 20–60 (-150) cm long, upright or decumbent stalks have dark-colored glabrous nodes. The sheaths covering the cauline leaves are loose and glabrous. The leaf blades are flat, straight, and measure 8–40 × 0.4–0.8 cm. They have a sharp or tapering apex, a cordate to straight base, and are smooth. The ligule is a ciliolate membrane that measures around one millimeter.Terminal panicle, rectangular or oval, 10–40 cm long; branches thin and scaberulent; thickly branched and drooping or sparsely branched and erect. The spores measure 2.5–3.5 mm in length and are glabrous. The lower glume is cuff-like or broadly ovate, measuring 1/4–1/3 the length of the spikelet, with three veins, bluntly sharp; the upper glume is as long as the spikelet, with nine to thirteen veins; the bottom lemma is the same as the upper glume, either with or without a palea; and the top floret is smooth, lustrous, and brown or yellow. July through October sees flowering and fruiting: 2n = 54. Have dark-colored glabrous nodes. The covering of the cauline leaves is loose and glabrous. The leaf blades are flat, straight, and measure 8–40 × 0.4–0.8 cm. They have a sharp or curving top, a conical to straight base, and are smooth. The ligule is a ciliolate membrane that measures around one millimeter. Terminal panicle, rectangular or oval, 10–40 cm long; branches thin and scaberulent, thickly branched and drooping or sparsely branched and erect.The spikelets measure 2.5–3.5 mm in length and are glabrous. The lower glume is cuff-like or broadly ovate, measuring 1/4–1/3 the length of the spikelet, with three veins, bluntly sharp; the upper glume is as long as the spikelet, with nine to thirteen veins; the bottom lemma is the same as the upper glume, either with or without a palea; and the top floret is smooth, lustrous, and brown or yellow. Fruiting and flowering from July to October: 2n = 54.
• Geographical area: Panicum sumatrense, often known as Indian small millet, has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in this regard. Harvesting takes place at elevations of 7000 feet or above, including plains and hillsides, for this Poaceae (Gramineae). Punjab, Burma, Southeast Asia, Central China, Ceylon, and subtropical areas are home to wild varieties. In Ceylon, Pakistan, and India, local varieties are cultivated. The crop cycle of Indian small millet is brief. This crop is suitable for both wet and dry areas since it grows well under artificial irrigation as well as naturally occurring rain-fed irrigation. It grows well in arid and salty soils, as well as in hot and humid climates.
• Functional properties:
  • For human health, In addition to having high amounts of minerals and vitamins, millet grains also have significant quantities of protein (8.0%), fat (4.7%), carbohydrates (65.0%), and crude fiber (7.6%). Since they can help with the management of diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, these traits are crucial for human health. Because of its excellent nutritional value and ease of storage, little millet grain is valued as a staple meal in both ancient and modern societies. The nutritional quality of grains is directly influenced by prolamins, which account for 60–70% of total seed protein.
  • Help in reducing cholesterol: Little millet is a gluten-free grain that lowers cholesterol, among its many other health advantages. It has a dietary fiber called beta-glucan, which attaches itself to bile acids and prevents the intestines from absorbing them. Through this process, the body removes more cholesterol from the liver and decreases the amount that is regenerated there. Niacin, a vitamin that raises HDL cholesterol and decreases LDL and triglyceride levels, is also present in small millet. Some of the methods to use little millet include porridge, bread, pancakes, biscuits, and malt. Add finger millet flour to your regular atta to enhance its nutritional value.
  • Manage weight loss: Little millet also very helpful for weightloss journey. It has emerged as a gluten-free option for healthy weight management. Its high dietary fiber content promotes lasting fullness, which reduces overeating while also aiding digestion and promoting bowel regularity for proper detoxification.
  • Boost immunity: Little millet is rich in antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. They’re like super grains, protecting your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. These fascinating antioxidants aren’t just sidekicks; they take on big bosses like cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and some malignancies! Furthermore, the iron component of tiny millet promotes red blood cell synthesis, hence reducing anemia. Furthermore, because it is gluten-free, this millet is a fantastic choice for people who have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten.