Characterization and Preliminary Evaluation of National Collections of Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa species) Germplasm

Abstract

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa species) which is known as sawan is cultivated as fodder and cereal in concentrated pockets in many states in India. The states growing barnyard millet are Uttaranchal, parts of western Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar, Maharashtra and Northeastern states. The grains are nutritious and cooked as rice after shelling. It is one of the quickest growing crops, some cultivars coming to harvest in 6-8 weeks