Millets are a group a small, round whole grains grown in India, Nigeria, and other Asian and African countries. Considered an ancient grain, they are used both for human consumption and livestock and bird feed (4, 5Trusted Source).

They have multiple advantages over other crops, including drought and pest resistance. They’re also able to survive in harsh environments and less fertile soil. These benefits stem from their genetic composition and physical structure — for example, its small size and hardness (4, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

Although all millet varieties belong to the Poaceae family, they differ in color, appearance, and species.

This crop is also divided into two categories — large and small millets, with major millets being the most popular or commonly cultivated varieties (4).