Millets are a group of crops which are hardy and grow well in dry zones as rainfed crops under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture. These are some of the oldest food grains known to human kind and possibly the first cereal grains to be used for domestic purposes. Millets are also unique due to their short growing season. The name “Millet” has been derived from the word “mil or thousand” referring to the large number of grains that can be produced from a single seed.  However, the Hindi word “Kadann” has come from a Sanskrit word “Kadannam”, which refers to foodgrains of the poor.

India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of millets. These crops form an important component of nutritional and livelihood security of resource poor farmers of India. They exhibit wide adaptation in marginal production and niche areas and provide farmers with best available opportunity for assured harvest, staple food, required nutrition and sufficient fodder in environments characterized by scanty rainfall. These crops are climate change compliant. Besides, these millets also provide raw materials for agro industries such as poultry and cattle feed, value added products, potable alcohol, starch, bio-fuel etc.

Millets are highly nutritious, non glutinous and non acidic foods. Hence, they are soothing and easy to digest. They are considered to be the least allergic and most digestible grains available. Millets are rich in protein, minerals, dietary fibre, B complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, essential amino acids like methionine and lecithine. They are also rich in phytochemicals including phytic acid which lowers cholesterol and helps to reduce the incidence of cardio vascular diseases and cancer. Owing to which these are called as " God's Own Grains and Nutricereals ..."