Question

The botanical name of ragi or finger millet is
A. Sorghum Vulgare
B. Eleusine coracana
C. Pennisetum typhoides
D. Hordeum Vulgare

Answer 1

Hint: Finger Millet is commonly known as “ragi” in India. The ragi word originated from “raga” meaning red. In almost all types of soils and climatic conditions, this can be grown.

Complete step by step answer:
- Sorghum Vulgare: Sorghum Vulgare’ is the scientific name of the Millet crop they are also known as ‘jowar’. These species are grass species and they are cultivated for its grain and are used as food items for humans as well as the animal feed. Hence option A is incorrect.
- Eleusine coracana: Ragi is the food crop botanically called Eleusine coracana. It is an annual plant and is resistant to drought, pests, and pathogens. The plant is widely grown as a cereal in the arid areas of Africa and Asia. Finger millet, African finger millet, red millet, caracan millet, koracan, and ragi by this name it's commonly known. Hence option B is correct.
- Pennisetum typhoides: Pennisetum typhoides is the scientific name of Pearl millet or bajra.bajra is the most widely grown type of millet. It has been grown in Africa and the Indian subcontinent since prehistoric times. Hence option C is incorrect.
- Hordeum Vulgare: The botanical name of barley is Hordeum Vulgare. Barley is a member of the grass family. It is a self- pollinating, diploid species. Hence option D is incorrect.
Hence, option B: Eleusine coracana is the correct answer.

Note: Eleusine coracana is a plant grown as a cereal in the dry areas. It is the hardest millet. Its grains are free from the pericarp.