Published in: September 2018
Millets like foxtail millet, little millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet, and browntop millet are widely cultivated in Tamil Nadu. These grains are highly nutritious, containing nutrients like lecithin, vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Specifically, they are gluten-free, making them suitable for people with gluten intolerance. Additionally, they are easy to digest.
Challenges in Milling Small Millets
Unlike rice or larger grains, small millets like foxtail and little millet are round and have thin husks, making it difficult to mill them with conventional paddy or grain milling equipment. Traditional manual methods were once used, but mechanical hulling is now more common. Keeping the outer bran layer intact is beneficial, as it contains essential nutrients. The goal is to hull the grains without breaking them.
Specialized Millet Milling Machines
Modern milling machines specifically designed for small millets are now available on the market. These machines can effectively process small millets without breaking them. Here’s how they work:
- Pre-processing: Millets should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any stones or soil and then dried to a moisture content of about 10-12%.
- Parboiling Option: Parboiling the grains before milling increases their nutritional content and improves yield.
The advanced de-hulling machine can process 80–100 kg of small millets per hour. It runs on a 1 HP motor and can operate on single- or three-phase electricity. With a compact footprint (3×3 feet, height of 5 feet), the machine separates the rice and husk into different compartments, achieving over 90% husk removal. It’s easy to operate, requiring only one trained individual.
Cost and Accessibility
The machine costs around 100,000 rupees. For farmers unable to afford it individually, group purchases are recommended. For further information, interested farmers can contact the Kattupakkam Agricultural Science Centre at 044-27452371.
Dr. M. Sidharth, Dr. M. Vimalarani, Dr. K. Velmurugan, Agricultural Science Centre, Kattupakkam, Kanchipuram District.
