Foxtail millet, scientifically known as Setaria italica, is one of the oldest cultivated millets. It's a small-seeded grass grown in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. While its English name refers to the distinctive shape of its seed head, its local names vary widely across different languages and regions where it is grown and consumed.
Regional Names of Foxtail Millet
Understanding the various names for foxtail millet is useful for identifying this grain in local markets and traditional recipes. Here are some of its common names in different Indian languages:
- Punjabi: ਕਂਗਣੀ/کنگنی (Kangni)
- Hindi: कांगणी (Kangni), Kakum, Rala
- Tamil: தினை (Thinai), இறடி (iradi), ஏனல் (enal), கங்கு (kangu), கவலை (kavalai), or kambankorai
- Telugu: కొర్రలు (korralu or korra)
- Kannada: ನವಣೆ (navane) or ನವಣಕ್ಕಿ (navanakki)
- Malayalam: തിന (Thina)
- Gujarati: કાંગ (Kang)
- Marathi: Kang or राळं (rala)
- Bengali: কাওন দানা (kaon dana)
- Odia: କଙ୍ଗୁ (kaṅgu) or ଟାଙ୍ଗଣ (ṭāṅgaṇa)
- Assamese: কণী ধান (koni dhaan)
- Nepali: Kaguno
This variety in nomenclature highlights the grain's deep integration into the culinary and agricultural landscapes of these diverse regions.
Comparison of Foxtail Millet Names
| Language | Name (Native Script) | Common English Transliteration |
|---|---|---|
| Punjabi | ਕੰਗਨੀ | Kangni |
| Hindi | कांगणी | Kangni, Kakum |
| Tamil | தினை | Thinai |
| Telugu | కొర్రలు | Korralu |
| Kannada | ನವಣೆ | Navane |
| Malayalam | തിന | Thina |
| Gujarati | કાંગ | Kang |
| Marathi | कंग, राळं | Kang, Rala |
| Bengali | কাওন দানা | Kaon Dana |
| Odia | କଙ୍ଗୁ | Kangu |
Nutritional Value and Benefits
Foxtail millet is gaining popularity due to its impressive nutritional profile. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and calcium. These nutrients contribute to several health benefits, including supporting bone health, improving heart health by lowering cholesterol, and managing blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index. The high fiber content also aids in digestion and can be beneficial for weight management.
Cultivation and Uses
Foxtail millet is widely grown in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar in India. It is a versatile grain used in various culinary applications, from simple porridges and upma to more elaborate dishes. In some cultures, different forms of the grain are used, such as jopsal in Korean, which is a term for the husked grain, and xiǎomǐ in Mandarin Chinese for the husked grain, while the unhusked grain is called guzi. The flour (nuvanam) and gruels (kali, moddak kali, kuul, or sangati) made from millet are also traditional staples in parts of India.
Foxtail millet's ability to thrive in less fertile soils and its relatively short growing season make it an important crop for food security, particularly in regions facing environmental challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, foxtail millet is known as Kangni in Punjabi, a name that reflects its local significance in the region. This nutrient-rich grain is recognized by a multitude of names across India, underscoring its widespread cultivation and consumption. Its health benefits and adaptability ensure its continued importance as a valuable food source.
