Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea Link) is one of the fastest growing minor millets. Significant varietal differences in physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient composition were observed in nine varieties of barnyard millet. Good physical and hydration characteristics were observed, in some. Cooking time ranged between 8.5 to 12.0 minutes. Variation in moisture (8.1-9.8%), protein (8.4-15.5%), fat (3.2-4.5%). total minerals (2.7-4.2%), calcium (17.1-32.7 mg 100 g-1), iron (1.2-1.5 mg 100 g-1), starch (51.5-59.5%) contents were observed among the varieties. Dietary fibre content was fairly high with soluble and insoluble fractions ranging between 3.5 to 4.6 per cent and 6.1 to 10.5 per cent, respectively. In vitro digestibility of protein and starch ranged between 74.9 to 84.7 per cent and 20.7 to 28.8 per cent, respectively.