What is Another Name for the Millet Plant? Exploring the Diverse Grains

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 7,000 years ago, millets were already an important part of human diets, but there is no single other name for the millet plant because 'millet' refers to a collective group of small-seeded cereal grasses. The name you use depends entirely on the specific variety you are referencing, such as pearl millet or finger millet.

Quick Summary

The term 'millet' encompasses many different plant species, each with its own distinct common and scientific names. Key varieties include pearl millet, finger millet, and sorghum, which are prized for their nutritional benefits and resilience. Their names vary significantly by region and type.

Key Points

Millet is not one plant: The term 'millet' refers to a collection of different small-seeded cereal grasses, each with its own unique names.
Pearl millet has many names: Pearl millet, the most widely grown variety, is also known as Bajra, Bulrush Millet, and Mahangu, depending on the region.
Sorghum is often included: Sorghum, or Jowar, is sometimes called 'Great Millet' but is botanically a distinct cereal grain, though in the same family.
Finger millet is called Ragi: The finger millet plant is commonly known as Ragi in India and is a great source of calcium.
Millets are resilient crops: These grains are highly tolerant of drought and poor soil, making them vital for food security in dry regions.
Names vary by variety and region: The specific name for a millet plant depends on which of the many different species and regional dialects is being referred to.

Millet: A Diverse Group of Grains, Not a Single Plant

While many people search for a singular alternative for the millet plant, the reality is that "millet" is a broad, collective term for several species of small-seeded grasses belonging to the family Poaceae. Each of these species is a different plant and has its own common and scientific names, which can also vary by region. For instance, a farmer in India will use a different name for pearl millet than someone in Africa. Understanding this diversity is key to appreciating this ancient and resilient group of grains, often called 'nutri-cereals' for their impressive nutritional profile.

Major Millet Varieties and Their Other Names

To truly answer the question of what is another name for the millet plant, one must look at the names of its individual species. Here are some of the most prominent varieties and their common monikers:

Pearl Millet: Scientifically known as Pennisetum glaucum, it is the most widely grown millet globally. Other names include Bajra (India), Bulrush Millet, Mahangu (Namibia), and Dukhn (Africa). It is known for its high protein and fiber content.
Finger Millet: The scientific name is Eleusine coracana, and it is a staple food in parts of Asia and Africa. Regionally, it is called Ragi (India), Nachni (Marathi), Mandua (Hindi), and is known for being an excellent source of calcium.
Foxtail Millet: Known as Setaria italica, this is one of the oldest cultivated millets. Common names include Kangni (Hindi), Thinai (Tamil), and Italian Millet. It is noted for its high mineral and vitamin content.
Proso Millet: With the scientific name Panicum miliaceum, it is also called Common Millet or Broomcorn Millet. It is a versatile millet grown in temperate climates and is often used in birdseed mixtures in the United States. In India, it's known as Chena or Barri.
Sorghum: Although sometimes classified as a type of millet, specifically Great Millet, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is botanically a distinct cereal grain. It is known as Jowar in India and is a major crop worldwide.

Other Notable Minor Millets

Beyond the major varieties, numerous other minor millets contribute to the world's food system. These include:

Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum): Known as Kodra or Kodua.
Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea): Called Sanwa or Jhangora.
Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense): Referred to as Kutki or Samai.
Browntop Millet (Urochloa ramosa): Also known as Korle.

Comparison of Common Millets


Feature	Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)	Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana)	Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica)	Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Other Names	Bajra, Bulrush Millet, Mahangu	Ragi, Nachni, Mandua	Kangni, Italian Millet, Thinai	Jowar, Great Millet
Appearance	Large, ovoid grains; can be grey, brown, or white.	Small, reddish-brown, elongated grains.	Small, pointed seeds on a bristly, cylindrical head.	Round, smaller grains than pearl millet.
Nutritional Profile	High in protein and iron; aids digestion.	Exceptionally rich in calcium and iron; good for bone health.	Good source of carbohydrates and fiber; rich in minerals.	Gluten-free; rich in fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Common Uses	Flatbreads, porridge, fermented beverages.	Porridge, dosa, idli, baby food.	Rice substitute, porridge, upma.	Flatbread (roti), porridge, animal feed.

The Resurgence of Millets

In recent years, millets have experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, moving from being considered 'coarse grains' to 'nutri-cereals'. Their resilience to drought and adaptability to marginal soil conditions make them a crucial crop for food security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Their nutritional benefits, including being gluten-free and rich in fiber and minerals, have also caught the attention of health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Governments and international organizations have also recognized their importance. For instance, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This focus aims to promote their consumption and production to address malnutrition and agricultural sustainability challenges globally. Their versatility in cooking, from porridges and flatbreads to modern recipes, shows their potential to diversify global diets.

Conclusion

To conclude, seeking a single alternative for the millet plant is misleading, as it is not one plant but a varied family of grasses. The diverse species, including pearl millet (Bajra), finger millet (Ragi), and sorghum (Jowar), each have unique characteristics and names. By understanding the specific type, one can accurately identify and appreciate the vast range of millets available. This group of ancient grains offers tremendous nutritional and ecological benefits, making its recent revival well-deserved and impactful for both dietary health and sustainable agriculture. For further reading, an excellent resource on the diversity of millets is provided by the FAO.

Explore more about millets on the FAO website

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sorghum is not another name for the millet plant. While both are members of the grass family and are sometimes colloquially grouped together, they are distinct plants. Sorghum is sometimes called 'Great Millet' but belongs to a different genus than many of the other common millets.

Pearl millet has several common names, including Bajra in India and Mahangu in Namibia. It is also sometimes referred to as Bulrush or Cattail millet.

Finger millet is commonly known as Ragi in many parts of India. Other regional names include Nachni, Mandua, and Kelvaragu.

No, millet is not a single plant species. It is a broad term used to describe a diverse group of small-seeded cereal grasses. Each variety, such as pearl millet or foxtail millet, is a distinct plant species.

Yes, millets are naturally gluten-free. This makes them an excellent grain option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Millet is incredibly versatile in cooking. It can be used to make flatbreads (like Bajra roti), porridge, couscous, and can even be popped like popcorn. Different varieties have different tastes and textures.

Proso millet is also known by the names Common Millet, Broomcorn Millet, and Cheena.