Contents
Description
Eleusine Coracana, commonly known as ragi or finger millet, is a cereal crop that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is an annual plant that is grown mainly in Africa and Asia for its edible seeds, which are used to make flour, porridge, and various other food products. Ragi is a hardy crop that is drought-resistant and can grow in poor soils, making it an important crop for small farmers in developing countries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eleusine |
Appearance
Ragi plants grow to a height of about 1.5 meters and have long, narrow leaves that are about 25 cm in length. The inflorescence is a dense, erect panicle that is about 15 cm long and contains many small spikelets. The seeds are small, round, and reddish-brown in color, and are about 2-3 mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Ragi plants require moderate watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Ragi plants prefer full sunlight and can tolerate temperatures between 20-35°C. They are hardy to USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ragi plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, they can be affected by blast disease, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and die. This disease can be controlled by spraying the plants with a fungicide. Ragi plants can also be attacked by aphids, which can be controlled by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Ragi is native to Africa and is widely cultivated in India, Nepal, and other parts of Asia. It is grown in a variety of soils, from sandy to clayey, and can tolerate drought and poor soils.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of ragi?
A: Ragi is a good source of calcium, iron, and other minerals, and is also high in fiber and protein. It is considered a healthy food for people with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index.
Q: How is ragi used in cooking?
A: Ragi flour is used to make a variety of dishes, including porridge, flatbreads, and cakes. It is also used to make fermented drinks, such as idli and dosa.
Q: Is ragi gluten-free?
A: Yes, ragi is gluten-free, making it a good alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Q: How long does it take for ragi to mature?
A: Ragi plants typically take about 3-4 months to mature, depending on the growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Eleusine coracana subsp. africana
- Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana
- Eleusine indica
- Eleusine tristachya
References
- Crop Trust. (n.d.). Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana). Retrieved from https://www.croptrust.org/crop/finger-millet/
- FAO. (2009). Finger Millet: Eleusine coracana. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/gbase/data/pf000148.htm
- National Institute of Nutrition. (2016). Nutrient Composition of Indian Foods. Retrieved from https://www.nin.res.in/downloads/NutrientCompositionofIndianFoods.pdf
