Barnyard millet or Echinochloa frumentacea is a fast-growing cereal crop belonging to the grass family Poaceae. It is one of the oldest cultivated millets, native to South and East Asia. In India, it is known by various regional names such as Sanwa in Hindi, Jhangora in Uttarakhand, and Kuthiravali in Tamil.

It is one of the fastest-maturing crops, reaching harvest in just 45-60 days. It thrives in poor, dry soils with minimal rainfall, making it suitable for dryland and rain-fed farming regions. It is widely cultivated in India, Japan, China, and parts of Africa.

Nutritionally, barnyard millet is a powerhouse - it is rich in dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and B vitamins. It has a low glycemic index, making it beneficial for diabetics, and is naturally gluten-free. It is consumed as a rice substitute, porridge, khichdi, and rotis, and is also permitted as a fasting food in Hindu traditions.

Due to its hardy nature and high nutritional value, barnyard millet plays a significant role in food security and sustainable agriculture.