Dr Khadar Vali, popularly known as the “Millet Man of India,” is an Indian scientist and millet advocate who received the Padma Shri in 2023. He is best known for popularising five traditional small millets—Foxtail, Little, Kodo, Barnyard and Browntop Millet—which he collectively calls Siridhanya.

If you have just heard about Dr Khadar Vali and are searching to understand who he is, what Siridhanya means, which five millets he recommends and what his way of living involves, this beginner's guide brings the essentials together in one place.

Who Is Dr Khadar Vali?

Dr Khadar Vali (also spelled Khadar Valli) is an Indian scientist, food and millet advocate widely known as the “Millet Man of India.”

He was born in the Proddatur region of present-day Andhra Pradesh and pursued his higher education in science before completing doctoral research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

He later undertook postdoctoral research in the United States and worked in food science before returning to India.

Over the following decades, he became closely associated with the revival of traditional small millets, sustainable agriculture and what he describes as a nature-centred way of living.

In recognition of his work, the Government of India conferred on him the Padma Shri in 2023.

Why Is Dr Khadar Vali Called the Millet Man of India?

Dr Khadar Vali became widely known as the Millet Man of India because of his long-running advocacy for bringing traditional millets back into Indian food habits.

A particularly distinctive part of his work is his focus on five small millets that he calls Siridhanya or positive millets.

These are:

Foxtail Millet — Korra / Korralu

Learn about Foxtail Millet →

Little Millet — Sama / Samalu

Learn about Little Millet →

Kodo Millet — Arika / Arikelu

Learn about Kodo Millet →

Barnyard Millet — Udalu

Learn about Barnyard Millet →

Browntop Millet — Andu Korralu

Learn about Browntop Millet →

In simple terms: Siridhanya = Foxtail + Little + Kodo + Barnyard + Browntop Millet.

What Is Siridhanya?

Siridhanya is the name Dr Khadar Vali uses collectively for five small millets: Foxtail, Little, Kodo, Barnyard and Browntop Millet.

He places these five grains at the centre of his food philosophy and refers to them as “positive millets” or “positive grains.”

Siridhanya, however, is only one part of his broader approach.

What Is Dr Khadar Vali's Way of Living?

Dr Khadar Vali's approach goes beyond simply eating millets.

His broader philosophy discusses:

Siridhanya → grain rotation → soaking → Ambali → Kashayas → physical activity → disciplined food habits → natural farming → living closer to nature.

This is why people searching for Dr Khadar Vali frequently encounter the phrase “Siridhanya way of living” rather than simply “millet diet.”

Are Ragi, Jowar and Bajra Siridhanya?

No.

Ragi (Finger Millet), Jowar (Sorghum) and Bajra (Pearl Millet) are millets, but they are not included among Dr Khadar Vali's five Siridhanya millets.

His Siridhanya classification specifically refers to:

Foxtail, Little, Kodo, Barnyard and Browntop Millet.

What Is Ambali?

Ambali is a traditional fermented millet porridge or gruel.

It occupies an important place in Dr Khadar Vali's food philosophy, particularly in discussions around preparing and consuming Siridhanya.

Read next: What Is Siridhanya Ambali? →

Why Does Dr Khadar Vali Recommend Soaking Millets?

Dr Khadar Vali places considerable emphasis on the way Siridhanya grains are prepared, including soaking before cooking.

Rather than simply buying a millet and cooking it exactly like polished rice, his approach gives importance to understanding the grain, soaking and traditional preparation methods.

Read next: How to Soak and Cook Siridhanya Millets →

What Are Kashayas?

Kashaya generally refers to a herbal decoction.

Different plant-based Kashayas form another component of Dr Khadar Vali's lifestyle protocols.

These recommendations should be understood as part of Dr Khadar Vali's approach and should not automatically be treated as substitutes for prescribed medicines or professional medical care.

Does Dr Khadar Vali Claim Siridhanya Can Help With Diseases?

Dr Khadar Vali has publicly associated Siridhanya and his broader lifestyle protocols with the prevention or management of several health conditions.

These are claims and recommendations associated with his approach and should be distinguished from conclusions established through clinical evidence.

Millets can form part of a varied diet, but anyone managing diabetes or another medical condition should consult an appropriate healthcare professional before making major dietary changes or altering prescribed treatment.

Why Has His Work Become Important?

Whatever one's view of individual health claims, Dr Khadar Vali's work has helped bring five lesser-known traditional millets back into mainstream conversation:

Foxtail. Little. Kodo. Barnyard. Browntop.

His work also raises a much larger question:

What grains did India stop eating—and can some of them become everyday foods again?

For someone discovering Dr Khadar Vali for the first time, that is a useful place to begin.

New to Siridhanya? Start With the Five Millets

You don't need to understand the entire Siridhanya lifestyle on day one.

Start by learning about each grain:

Foxtail Millet (Korra / Korralu) →

Little Millet (Sama / Samalu) →

Kodo Millet (Arika / Arikelu) →

Barnyard Millet (Udalu) →

Browntop Millet (Andu Korralu) →

From there, explore how they are soaked, cooked and used in familiar Indian dishes.

About This Guide

This independent educational guide has been prepared by Adithi Millets to help people understand millets and traditional millet food practices.

Adithi Millets is not presented as being affiliated with or endorsed by Dr Khadar Vali.

Where this article describes Dr Khadar Vali's specific health or lifestyle views, they are presented as his views or recommendations, rather than as medical advice from Adithi Millets.

Explore Siridhanya Millets →

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