Eleusine coracana

Eleusine coracana is a species of cereal crop known by several common names, including finger millet, African millet, and ragi. It is a member of the Poaceae family, which includes other important cereal crops such as wheat, corn, and rice.

Description

Eleusine coracana is an annual plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has a robust tillering system with numerous slender and erect stems. The leaves are linear-lanceolate in shape, and the inflorescences are digitate, with each finger-like spikelet containing up to 8 seeds.

Cultivation and Uses

Eleusine coracana is primarily grown in the arid regions of Africa and Asia, where it is a staple food crop. It is highly adaptable to different environmental conditions and can be grown in areas with poor soil fertility and low rainfall. The grains of Eleusine coracana are rich in protein, dietary fiber, and other essential nutrients, making it an important source of nutrition in many developing countries. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.

History

The cultivation of Eleusine coracana dates back to at least 3000 BC in Ethiopia, from where it spread to other parts of Africa and Asia. It was introduced to the Americas during the colonial period and is now grown in several countries in the Caribbean and South America.

Research

Recent research on Eleusine coracana has focused on improving its yield and nutritional quality through plant breeding and genetic engineering. There is also interest in its potential use as a biofuel crop due to its high biomass production and low water requirements.

See Also

• Cereal
• Poaceae
• Agriculture in Africa
• Agriculture in Asia