An overview of Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea)

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is belongs to the family Poacea and it is self-pollinated crop. Barnyard millet is the oldest domesticated small millet. In India it is mainly cultivated in Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat and hills of Uttarakhand. It is a good source of protein about 10.5%, highly digestible and an excellent source of dietary fibre. Barnyard millet is the minor kharif crops in Uttarakhand and grows under rainfed conditions. Barnyard millet contains about 8.7 – 9.63% moisture. The carbohydrate content in barnyard millet is low and also slowly digestible. It is ideal foods for the patient suffer from diabetes mellitus. Even though barnyard millet is nutritionally superior to cereals and has the potential to provide food and nutrition but their utilization is still limited.