[7] Kodo millet has large potential to provide nourishing food to subsistence farmers in Africa and elsewhere.

The plant is called kodrava in Sanskrit, Arikelu in the Telugu language, Varagu in Tamil, Varak (വരക്) in Malayalam, Arka in Kannada, Kodo in Hindi and Kodra in Punjabi.

It is a minor food crop eaten in many Asian countries, primarily in India where in some regions it is extremely important.

A case study in India's Rewa district in 1997 showed a 72% increase in kodo millet grain yields as opposed to no fertilizer.

[13] Kodo millet prefers full light for optimal growth, but can tolerate some partial shading.

While plenty of fertilizer dramatically improves yields, there is the risk of lodging accompanying vigorous growth.

[14] Kodo millet is harvested by cutting the stalk of the grass and allowing it to dry in the sun for a day or two.

Farmyard manures provide adequate nutrients in terms of adding fertilizer, but kodo millets can still survive on low-nutrient soils.

The wild variety is better suited to wetter conditions, and can tolerate flooded areas and swampy ground.

[7] These compact fungi growths contain a chemical compound that is poisonous to humans and livestock if consumed, and potentially fatal.

If the symptoms are caught early and the animals are removed from the infected food, they have a good chance of recovery.

[11] It may also have potential to be used as grass ties on hillside plots to prevent soil erosion, while also providing a famine food as a secondary purpose.

Before applying fertilizer, soil pH tests are used to make sure it is ideal for proper nutrient uptake.

Planting kodo millet in rows, instead of broadcasting the seeds, will increase yields and make weeding easier.

[19] Finally, proper cleaning of the seeds by wind winnowing will help prevent the sclerotia of fungal diseases being consumed accidentally.