Finger Millet, commonly known as Ragi in India, is a nutritious and versatile cereal grain native to Africa and Asia. It is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is valued for its high nutritional content and adaptability to varying climatic conditions. Finger Millet is particularly important in regions with poor soil and low rainfall due to its resilience to drought.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance: Finger Millet grains are small, round, and have a distinctive reddish-brown to dark brown color. They are covered with a tough outer husk.
Size: The grains are typically about 1-2 mm in diameter.
Texture: When cooked, Finger Millet has a slightly coarse texture and a mild, nutty flavor.
Aroma: The grain has a subtle, earthy aroma that becomes more pronounced when cooked or roasted.
Flavor: The flavor is mild, nutty, and slightly earthy, which makes it suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.
Specification:
Uses:
Food Products: Finger Millet is used in a variety of culinary applications:
Flatbreads: Ragi rotis or mudde are traditional Indian flatbreads and dumplings made from Finger Millet flour.
Porridge: Ragi porridge or gruel is a popular breakfast dish, often enjoyed with milk or as a light meal.
Flour: Ground into flour, Finger Millet is used in baking bread, cakes, and cookies, as well as in making traditional Indian dishes like idlis and dosas.
Snacks: Ragi can be roasted or puffed to make nutritious snacks and breakfast cereals.
Animal Feed: Finger Millet is also used as fodder for livestock due to its high nutritional value.
Traditional Remedies: In some cultures, Finger Millet is used in traditional medicine for its health benefits, including its role in managing diabetes and improving bone health.
Nutritional Value:
Finger Millet is highly regarded for its nutritional benefits. It is rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of B-vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin. The grain has a low glycemic index, making it beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. Its high calcium content is particularly valuable for bone health and is often used in diets for growing children and older adults.
Benefits:
Finger millet is rich in calcium, iron, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. It offers numerous health benefits, including promoting bone health, controlling diabetes, and aiding weight loss.
Cultivate Seasons for India:
Finger millet is predominantly cultivated during the kharif season in India, with sowing usually done in June-July and harvesting in October-November.
Our Services
Reliable Sourcing:
Reliable sourcing of Finger Millet (Ragi) in India involves establishing strong relationships with farmers in regions known for high-quality millet production, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Odisha. Focus on sourcing from farms that implement sustainable and organic farming practices to ensure that the millet is non-GMO and free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Collaborating directly with these farmers and cooperatives helps maintain the grain’s purity and quality. Ensuring traceability and adherence to best agricultural practices guarantees a consistent and reliable supply of premium Finger Millet.
Premium Quality Assurance:
Premium quality assurance for Finger Millet requires stringent quality control measures throughout the sourcing and processing stages. The millet is tested for purity, moisture content, and the absence of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial agents. Obtaining certifications such as ISO, HACCP, FSSAI, and USDA Organic confirms adherence to international food safety and quality standards. Regular inspections ensure that the millet meets nutritional and sensory standards, including color, size, and flavor, preserving its high quality and health benefits.
Processes:
The processing of Finger Millet involves several key steps to ensure premium quality:
Harvesting: Finger Millet is harvested when the grains are fully mature. The millet is then dried in the field to reduce moisture content and prevent spoilage.
Cleaning: The millet undergoes mechanical cleaning to remove large debris such as stones, dirt, and other foreign materials. This is achieved using separators and air blowers.
De-Husking: The outer husk of the millet is removed using de-husking machines, which helps improve the texture and usability of the millet.
Sorting: The grains are sorted by size using sieves and gravity separators to ensure uniformity. Advanced optical sorters are used for color sorting to remove discolored or damaged grains.
Grading: The millet is graded based on quality parameters such as size, color, and overall appearance. This step ensures that only high-quality grains are selected for packaging.
Drying: If necessary, the millet is further dried to achieve optimal moisture levels (typically below 10%) to prevent mold and spoilage during storage.
Packaging, Shipping & Delivery
Packaging:
Bags and Pouches:
For Finger Millet (Ragi), high-quality food-grade materials such as laminated multi-layer pouches (made of materials like PET, PE, BOPP, and Aluminium foil) are used. These bags are moisture-proof and help retain the freshness, flavours, and aroma of the spices. Zip-lock pouches, stand-up pouches, and resealable bags are also popular for smaller quantities.
Polypropylene (PP) Woven Bags:
These are the most common types of bags used for packaging large quantities (25 kg and 40 kg) of Finger Millet (Ragi). They are made of woven polypropylene material, which is strong, lightweight, and durable, providing excellent resistance to tearing and damage during handling and transport.
Laminated Bags:
For additional protection against moisture and humidity, PP woven bags can be laminated with a layer of plastic film. This lamination creates a barrier against moisture, ensuring the spices stay dry and fresh during transportation and storage.
Multi-Wall Paper Bags:
These bags consist of several layers of kraft paper, which provide strength and are often lined with a plastic or polyethylene layer to offer protection against moisture and humidity. They are environmentally friendly and widely used in many markets for exporting food products.
Vacuum-Sealed Packaging:
This type of packaging removes air from the package before sealing, which helps prevent oxidation and moisture build-up, preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of the spices.
Paper or Carton Boxes:
After the packaging, the smaller bags or pouches are placed in corrugated cardboard cartons or paper boxes. These cartons are sturdy, stackable, and protect the contents from physical damage during handling and transportation.
Palletization and Wrapping:
Cartons or sacks are often stacked on wooden or plastic pallets and wrapped with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides stability, reduces the risk of damage during transport, and makes handling more efficient.
Export Documentation:
Handle all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and any specific certifications required by the importing country.
Efficient Shipping:
Partner with reliable freight forwarders and logistics companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods. Offer multiple shipping options (air, sea, or land) based on customer preferences.