TreedhaTreedha — Earth to Excellence
F.09 · Ancient Grains & Millets

Foxtail Millet

Kangni / Korra / Thinai

Cultivated across the rain-fed millet belts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, foxtail millet is one of India's oldest and most exported small grains. Minimally processed to keep the grain whole and nutty, it cooks light and fluffy with a gentle earthiness. Use it as a gluten-free swap for rice, in pilafs, porridge and upma, or simmered into khichdi and grain salads.

Pack sizes

500 g1 kg2 kg
How we source it
Foxtail Millet
Foxtail Millet pack

The pack

Sealed at peak, shipped with provenance.

Packed in resealable, food-grade pouches that lock in aroma and colour — each labelled with its origin, grade and taste profile.

Available in

500 g1 kg2 kg

Provenance

Origin
India · Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu
Grade
Whole grain · unpolished
Form
De-hulled · cleaned & sorted
Gluten
Naturally gluten-free
Purity
Stone-cleaned · sieved · lab-tested
Shelf life
12+ months whole grain, sealed and dry

Taste profile

  • Nuttiness
  • Earthiness
  • Fibre
  • Body

Also known as · Korralu · Navane · Setaria italica

How to use it

  • 01

    Gluten-free alternative to rice

  • 02

    Pilafs, upma and khichdi

  • 03

    Porridge and breakfast bowls

  • 04

    Grain salads and stuffings

  • 05

    Idli, dosa and millet bakes

In short

Foxtail Millet (Kangni / Korra / Thinai, Setaria italica) is a naturally gluten-free ancient grain, sustainably cultivated in India's dry-land regions. Valued for its nutritional profile and drought tolerance, it serves global markets in food, feed, and health sectors as a versatile, wholesome commodity.

Sourcing & Origin

Treedha's Foxtail Millet (Kangni / Korra / Thinai) is meticulously sourced from the rain-fed dry-land plains of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, India. These regions form the traditional millet belt, where centuries of cultivation have led to resilient, flavourful varieties naturally adapted to the local ecology. The dry-land farming practices employed here minimise environmental impact and produce a robust grain.

The specific origin is crucial for bulk buyers, as it assures the inherent quality and genetic purity of the Foxtail Millet. Our direct relationships with farmers in these regions provide full traceability, ensuring that each consignment reflects the authentic characteristics and provenance expected by discerning international importers, distributors, and private-label brands. This commitment to origin underpins consistent supply and quality.

Export Grades & Specifications

Export-grade Foxtail Millet (Korralu / Navane / Setaria italica) is carefully selected based on several key parameters to meet diverse market needs. Our offering is primarily whole grain, unpolished, or minimally processed, which preserves its nutritional integrity and natural texture. Grains are sun-dried, de-hulled, and then meticulously cleaned and sorted to ensure high purity.

We provide Foxtail Millet that meets stringent quality benchmarks, including optimal moisture content for extended shelf life, minimal foreign matter, and uniform grain size. While various grades exist, our focus is on unpolished whole grains suitable for human consumption, contrasting with feed-grade options that are often unhulled. Treedha provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every shipment, verifying these specifications.

SpecificationPremium Quality (Dehulled)Standard Machine Cleaned (Milling Grade)
Purity>99.5%>98.5%
Moisture<12%<13%
Foreign Matter<0.2%<0.5%
Damaged Grains<0.5%<1.5%
Broken Grains<0.5%<1.0%
ProcessingDe-hulled, stone-cleaned, sievedMechanically cleaned, de-hulled, may contain trace unhulled
TextureSoft, uniformBolder, suitable for heavy milling
ApplicationDry bakery, high-end retail, direct consumptionFlour milling, industrial extrusion

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Treedha is committed to delivering Foxtail Millet (Kangni / Korra / Thinai) that rigorously complies with international food safety standards, particularly for the discerning EU and US markets. Our processing ensures the grains are steam-sterilised and guaranteed ethylene-oxide-free (ETO-free), a critical requirement for EU imports where any detectable ETO levels are prohibited and lead to rejection. We adhere to a robust HACCP system throughout our supply chain.

For mycotoxins, our products are lab-tested to meet strict limits: total aflatoxins at 4 µg/kg and aflatoxin B1 at 2 µg/kg for EU food consumption, with specific levels for millets at 5.0 µg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and 5.0 µg/kg for Ochratoxin A (EU Regulation 2023/915). For the US FDA, our total aflatoxin levels are maintained below the action level of 20 ppb. We also ensure compliance with harmonised EU MRLs for pesticides, with a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg applying where no specific limit is set (EU Pesticides Database).

Furthermore, all consignments are tested for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, aligning with EU Regulation (EU) 2023/915 and US FDA guidelines, which have stringent limits for these contaminants in grains. While no specific Salmonella limits for millets are cited, our general food safety protocols prevent pathogenic bacterial contamination. Phytosanitary certificates and comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (COA) are provided with every shipment, verifying freedom from pests and adherence to all stated quality and safety parameters.

Global Demand & Target Markets

Global demand for Foxtail Millet (Korralu / Navane / Setaria italica) is experiencing a resurgence, driven by evolving consumer preferences and nutritional awareness. Leading importers of millets globally include Indonesia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Italy, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the Netherlands. More recent data from July 2024 to June 2025 highlights the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore as key destinations for Indian Foxtail Millet.

The primary demand drivers include the growing health and wellness trend, where Foxtail Millet is prized for its complex carbohydrates, high protein, and low glycemic index, making it suitable for diabetic-friendly and health-conscious food products. Its naturally gluten-free nature is particularly appealing to the expanding gluten-free market in Europe and North America. Additionally, traditional consumption in India and sustainability attributes—due to its drought tolerance and low input requirements—further bolster its global appeal. A significant portion of wholesale export also caters to the animal feed market, especially for avian nutrition in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Logistics, HS Code & Packing

Treedha facilitates seamless international trade of Foxtail Millet (Kangni / Korra / Thinai) with efficient logistics and compliant documentation. The primary Harmonized System (HS) code for whole grain Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica (L.)) is 10082960. Other related codes, such as 10082150 and the broader HSN 1008 for millets, are also relevant. For millet flour, HSN Code 11029090 applies.

We offer bulk packaging solutions tailored for global importers and distributors, typically in durable 25kg or 50kg PP, jute, or multi-ply kraft paper bags. For de-hulled millet, inner liners are utilised to maintain freshness and purity. Our Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) approach is flexible and determined in consultation with clients, based on specific trade routes and volumes, ensuring practicality for wholesale transactions without stating fixed numbers. We facilitate various Incoterms as per buyer requirements.

With proper storage in a cool, dry, and sealed environment, our whole grain Foxtail Millet maintains a shelf life of 12+ months. We ensure all necessary export documentation, including phytosanitary certificates and Certificates of Analysis (COA), accompanies each shipment to guarantee smooth customs clearance at destination ports.

Sources

Questions

Is kangni the same as foxtail millet?
Yes. Kangni (also korra in Telugu and thinai in Tamil) is the Indian name for foxtail millet (Setaria italica). It is one variety within the millet family, distinct from pearl, finger or little millet.
How do I cook foxtail millet?
Rinse, then simmer roughly one part millet to two-and-a-half parts water for 15-20 minutes until light and fluffy, much like rice. It also works well in a pressure cooker for upma and khichdi.
Is foxtail millet gluten-free?
Yes. Foxtail millet is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a popular grain for gluten-free and high-fibre diets.
What is Foxtail Millet and what are its common Western names?
Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) is an ancient, naturally gluten-free grain originating from India's dry-land regions. It is also widely known as Kangni, Korra, Thinai, Korralu, and Navane in various international and regional contexts.
Where does Treedha source its Foxtail Millet from?
Treedha sources its Foxtail Millet from the traditional millet belt regions of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in India, ensuring authentic origin and consistent quality.
Is Treedha's Foxtail Millet compliant with EU and US food safety standards?
Yes, Treedha's Foxtail Millet is steam-sterilised, ETO-free, and rigorously lab-tested to meet strict EU and US regulations for aflatoxins (e.g., EU total aflatoxins 4 µg/kg, US FDA 20 ppb total), pesticide MRLs, and heavy metals. Each shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
What are the typical bulk packaging options and HS codes for Foxtail Millet export?
We typically offer bulk packaging in 25kg or 50kg PP, jute, or multi-ply kraft paper bags. The primary HS code for whole grain Foxtail Millet is 10082960, with other related codes under the broader HSN 1008 for millets.
What drives the global demand for Foxtail Millet?
Global demand is driven by increasing interest in health and wellness (due to its nutritional value and low glycemic index), the expanding gluten-free market, traditional consumption, and its sustainability as a drought-tolerant crop. It is also a significant commodity for the animal feed sector.
Can Treedha provide samples and detailed specifications for bulk orders?
Yes, Treedha can provide samples for quality assessment and detailed specifications including purity, moisture content, and foreign matter percentages, along with relevant certifications (e.g., FSSAI, ISO, APEDA, organic certifications where applicable).