Scientific name: Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.
Hindi name: Bajra; Telugu name: Sajjalu
Pearl millet plant was probably domesticated as a food crop some 4000 to 5000
years ago along the southern margins of the central highlands of the Sahara. It
has since become widely distributed across the semiarid tropics of Africa and
Asia.
Pearl millet has traditionally been an important grain, forage, and stover crop
primarily in the arid and subtropical regions of many developing countries.
Pearl millet is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low soil
fertility, and high temperature. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing
conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize or
wheat, would not survive.
This millet possess phytochemicals that lower cholesterol. It also contains
foliate, magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamins E and B-complex. It has high
energy content compared to other millets. It is also rich in calcium and
unsaturated fats which are good for health.
