Author: Priyanka Kumari Chaudhary Kalwar and Samarth Bista

Doi: 10.26480/mjhrm.01.2026.25.32

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Finger millet, Eleusine coracana L, is a nutrient-rich cereal that plays a vital role in food security, especially in semi-arid and tropical regions. Due to its hardiness against unfavorable environmental conditions, coupled with its high nutritional value, it offers immense health benefits, including diabetes management, improved bone health, and immune function. The crop is also recognized for its rich source of minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium, which contribute to its health-promoting properties. Originated in East Africa, finger millet has conventionally been a staple food not only in Asia but also in Africa due to its adaptability and capability to grow on marginal soils. Furthermore, it can withstand drought, making it a suitable option for regions facing water scarcity. It is a crop with many prospects, but the problems of low productivity, awareness, and investment have obstructed its widespread dissemination. This review discusses taxonomy, morphology, nutritional composition, health benefits, and the place of finger millet in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, it explores the environmental conditions under which it thrives, emphasizing its role in crop diversification and agroecosystem resilience. It highlights the processing methods it uses, its value addition, and the potential for the same to be a climate-resilient crop. Efforts towards increasing its productivity through innovative farming practices, along with the promotion of its health benefits, are crucial in ensuring its contribution to food security. Meeting the knowledge gaps about its cultivation supported by research and policy could establish its positioning as an imperative in global food security.