ABSTRACTRhizobacteria are biofertilizers that promote plant growth and development. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of rhizobacteria for improving productivity and the nutrient level of foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Bacillus sp. and Rhizobium sp. were isolated from the rhizosphere and root nodules of a local crop (Macrotyloma uniflorum) of Uttarakhand. Seeds of foxtail millet were subjected to four treatments, including control. Under pot culture, all treatments [seeds inoculated with Rhizobium sp. (T-1), seeds inoculated with Bacillus sp. and soil supplemented with 50 g of tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) per pot (T-2), and seeds inoculated with Bacillus sp. (T-3)] significantly improved yield, chlorophyll content, nutrient uptake, and protein in seeds in relation to the control. Total dry weight of plants increased by 122.78% with Rhizobium sp., 59.49% with Bacillus sp. +TCP, and 86.07% with Bacillus sp. treatment; and grain yield increased by 76.29%, 51.39%, and 36.55%, respectively, over the control. We have demonstrated thatT-1 treatment (Rhizobium sp.) reduced maturation period of the crop by 15 days. Rhizobium sp. was judged to be the best bio-inoculant, indicating possible use of Rhizobium sp. as a potent biofertilizer for foxtail millet. Thus, there is a scope for the development of bio-inoculants for nutrient-poor soils, which may help enhance production and nutritive value of foxtail millet. These results provide baseline information, suggesting the possible role of these bacterial strains as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in advancing eco-friendly, sustainable agriculture.