Fonio Millet | 20 Jan 2025
Fonio, an ancient West African millet (e.g., Ghana), is known for its resilience to climate shocks, ease of cultivation, and ability to grow in poor soils with minimal water requirements.
- It is often referred to as a miracle grain due to its adaptability and nutritional value.
- Fonio is traditionally cultivated by Fulani tribes, the largest nomadic tribe in Africa.
- It is highly versatile and can be used in salads, porridges, pasta, bread, or served as a side dish.
- It can be cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions and require low water intake.
- It is similar to Indian millets like sikiya and raishan. Sikiya, a favored millet of the Baiga tribe, is cultivated in parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- The year 2023 was declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Millets.
- Profit motive among farmers is leading to neglect of millet production e.g., in Odisha's Niyamgiri hills, pineapple cultivation for profit has sidelined millets.
Read More: India's Millet Revolution