Little Millet is an annual herbaceous plant, grown for its edible grains.

Little Millet was domesticated in India.

Major Little Millet growing countries in the world are India, Nigeria, China, Mali, Sudan, Ethiopia and Senegal.

Major Little Millet growing states in India are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Cyperales
• Family: Poaceae
• Genus:  Panicum
• Species: sumatrense

Grains are the most economically important part of  Little Millet.

Little Millet is grown in tropical as well as sub-tropical areas, up to an altitude of 2,100m.

It is a heat loving plant.

Little Millet is grown where rainfall ranges from 500-900mm per year

Little Millet has a heavy water requirement and also grows well in moderate rainfall of 50-60cm.

It has wide adaptability to different soil types, from very poor to very fertile and can tolerate a certain degree of alkalinity.

The best soils are alluvial, loamy and sandy soil with good drainage.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes: 
  
  • Major Pest: Shoot fly, Armyworm, Flea beetle, Grasshopper and Leaf Folder.
    
  • Major Diseases: Powdery Mildew.
• Abiotic Causes - Chlorosis