Scientific Name
Paspalum scrobiculatum
Category
Grains → Millets
Type
Indigenous Millet Variety of India
Crop Season
Kharif / Monsoon
Kodo Millet — Kodra
Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) is presented in the supplied source as an indigenous millet variety of India and one of the oldest millets.
The source identifies India and Tropical Africa as its native regions and states that it was domesticated around 3,000 years ago in India.
1. Native
The supplied document identifies India + Tropical Africa as the native region of Kodo Millet.
- One of the oldest millets.
- Domesticated around 3,000 years ago in India.
- Wild ancestor found in the Deccan Plateau.
2. Characteristics
Grain
Small, light brown and oval, described as slightly bigger than foxtail millet.
Plant
Approximately 60–90 cm tall.
Climate Resilience
Drought-resistant and capable of growing in poor soil.
Gluten-Free
The source identifies Kodo Millet as gluten-free.
High Fibre
Approximately 9% fibre according to the supplied material.
Protein & Iron
Protein is stated as 8.3%, with the grain also described as iron rich.
A Climate-Smart Millet
Kodo Millet is described in the supplied material as drought-resistant, suitable for poor soil and requiring comparatively little water.
3. Cultivation Time Zone
Rainfall Requirement
The source states that Kodo Millet needs only approximately 500–600 mm rainfall.
Major States
Madhya Pradesh
Identified as a major Kodo Millet-growing state.
Maharashtra
Identified as a major growing state.
Uttar Pradesh
Identified as a major growing state.
Gujarat
Identified as a major growing state.
Chhattisgarh
Identified as a major growing state.
Tamil Nadu
Identified as a major growing state.
4. Uses
The supplied source states that Kodo Millet is used for traditional foods including roti, khichdi, pulao, upma, idli, porridge and kheer. It is also used as traditional fasting food in some regions, as cattle feed and for brewing.
5. Importance
Diabetes-Friendly
The source describes Kodo Millet as diabetes-friendly and states that it helps control blood sugar.
Weight Management
The source states that it keeps a person full for longer and therefore supports weight loss.
Heart Health
The source associates its antioxidant properties with reducing cholesterol.
Climate-Smart Crop
Its very low water requirement is highlighted as an important agricultural advantage.
6. Regional Indian Names
7. Care to Consume
Soaking and Washing
The supplied source states that Kodo Millet must be soaked for 6–8 hours and washed 2–3 times because it contains anti-nutrients.
Moderate Quantity
The source recommends not eating too much Kodo Millet daily and gives 30–50g as an amount it considers sufficient. It cautions that overeating can cause stomach upset.
Storage and Grain Quality
The source warns against consuming grain that looks mouldy and mentions the possibility of Kodo poisoning if grain is not stored well.
It therefore recommends buying fresh, dry grains.
Hydration
The supplied material recommends drinking more water when eating millets.
Kodo Millet in the Swadeshi Grain Story
An ancient Indian millet, adapted to demanding growing conditions and retained through regional food traditions.
Swadeshi Significance
Kodo Millet represents the agricultural knowledge embedded in India's traditional millet diversity. The supplied source connects its long history in India with drought resistance, low water requirement, cultivation in poor soil and a wide range of traditional food uses.
Its many regional names also reflect the spread of millet knowledge across different linguistic regions of Bharat.
From Kodra in Hindi and Marathi to Kodri in Gujarati, Varagu in Tamil and Malayalam, Arikelu in Telugu and Haraka in Kannada, the grain carries a network of regional identities around a single indigenous crop.
Bharatiya Millet HeritageMillets Repository
Kodo Millet is structured as an individual detail page under Grains → Millets. Other indigenous millet varieties can be added as separate detail pages while retaining the same Swadeshi repository structure.
Back to Millets