A study was conducted in Bengaluru rural and Ramanagara districts of Karnataka to assess the economics of finger millet production. The study area was chosen based on the share in total area under finger millet in Karnataka. 30 rainfed and 30 irrigated finger millet growing farmers were selected based on random sampling method from each district totaling to 120 farmers. Data was collected from the selected farmers through personal interview method using pre-tested, well structured schedule. The results indicated that, cost of cultivation per hectare was ` 43,779 and ` 59,263 in rainfed and irrigated cultivation, respectively. Cost on human labour occupied a major portion (>30%) under both the situation indicating that finger millet cultivation is a labour intensive cultivation. Rainfed finger millet growing farmers incurred a loss of ` 5,912 per ha whereas, irrigated finger millet growing farmers realized a profit of ` 6,933 per ha indicating that finger millet cultivation under rainfed condition is not profitable. Returns per rupee of expenditure were 0.86 and 1.12 in rainfed and irrigated condition, respectively. Inspite of the negative net returns farmers continued to grow finger millet because; it is a staple food for the people in study area and also for the quantity and quality of fodder that was obtained. There was no difference in the per capita consumption expenditure under both rainfed (` 673) and irrigated situation (` 706). Expenditure on finger millet occupied second position to the total consumption expenditure and first place with the cereals. This shows the relative importance of finger millet in their consumption pattern. An attempt was made to find the fodder security of finger millet growing farmers and results revealed that the farmers were self sufficient with regard to the fodder requirement for their livestock. In order to make finger millet a profitable crop, there is a need to revise the minimum support price and there is a need to create awareness among the younger generation regarding the nutritional importance of finger millet.