Barley Farming: Techniques, Varieties, Cost, Benefits & Full Guide

Barley is a rapidly growing popular Rabi crop in India. Earlier, farmers mainly depended on traditional crops like wheat, rice, and maize, but in the last few years, the interest of farmers in barley has increased significantly. The biggest reasons behind this are—low cost, less water requirement, tolerance to changing climate, and increasing market demand.

Barley is not only a food grain but is also widely used in the beer industry, malt industry, animal feed, health foods, and Ayurvedic products. This is why barley has now become part of the farmers’ “profitable crop list.”

1. Special Features of Barley Farming

There are several reasons behind the rapid adoption of barley farming in India. The special thing is that this crop gives good yields even in resource-poor areas.

1.1. Higher Profit at Low Cost

The biggest advantage of barley farming is its low production cost.

• Wheat requires 8–10 irrigations,
• While barley gets ready with just 3–4 irrigations.
• It consumes less fertilizer, pesticides, and water.
• Hence, it is proving beneficial in low-rainfall regions.

States like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh are rapidly increasing barley cultivation.

1.2. Successful in All Types of Climate

Climate change, frost, cold, and strong sunlight affect many crops.
But barley performs well even in such difficult conditions.

• It can tolerate frost, dry conditions, and fluctuating temperatures.
• This reduces production risk.

1.3. Increasing Market Demand

The demand for barley is rising in several sectors:

✔ Barley flour
✔ Dalia
✔ Sattu
✔ Health food
✔ Fiber-rich products
✔ Beer & malt industry
✔ Animal feed
✔ Ayurvedic medicines

Especially malt-quality barley gets the highest price in the market.
In many states, brewery companies directly contract with farmers.

With the right variety, farmers can get 35–45 quintals per hectare.

2. Popular Barley Varieties in India

Many varieties in India are popular because they mature early and are disease-resistant.

Major ones include:

• RD 2035
• RD 2552
• DWRB 92
• DWR 28
• RD 2660

These varieties mature in 120–140 days and give high yields.

3. Ideal Time for Barley Sowing

The best time for barley sowing in India is:

October to December

Since the crop matures early, farmers harvest it by March and can grow a second crop (double cropping).
It is an excellent option for farmers who want to produce twice a year from the same field.

4. General Introduction to Barley

Barley is an important Rabi crop after wheat and rice in India.
It grows well in warm regions and even with less water.

It can grow in light soil, loamy soil, and low-fertility land.

5. Suitable Soil for Barley Farming

Barley can be grown in various soil types.

5.1. Best Soils

• Loamy soil
• Medium-heavy soil
• Sandy soil
• Alkaline & stony land

5.2. Avoid in

• Highly acidic soil
• Heavy black soil

6. Major Barley Varieties in India and Their Yield

6.1. PL 891

• Huskless variety
• Used for sattu, flakes, dalia, flour
• Yield: 16.8 quintal/acre

6.2. DWRB 123

• Special for beer industry
• Yield: 19.4 quintal/acre

6.3. PL 419

• Suitable for rainfed areas
• Matures in 130 days
• Disease-resistant
• Yield: 14 quintal/acre

6.4. PL 172

• Suitable for irrigated areas
• Broad leaves
• Yield: 14 quintal/acre

6.5. PL 807

• Dense spikes
• Ready in 137 days
• Yield: 17.2 quintal/acre

6.6. DWRUB 52

• Strong plant
• Resistant to many diseases
• Yield: 17.3 quintal/acre

6.7. VJM 201

• White, bold grain
• Yield: 14.8 quintal/acre

6.8. BH 75 & BH 393

• Fast-growing varieties
• Suitable for Punjab and Haryana

6.9. PL 426

• Matures in 125 days
• Thick husk
• Yield: 14.5 quintal/acre

6.10. Other State-Specific Varieties

RD 2035, BCU 73, DWRUB 64, RD 2503, PL 751, Narendra Barley 2, Geeta (K1149)

7. Seed Rate for Barley Farming

The seed rate depends on soil moisture, irrigation, and variety.

7.1. Rainfed (Unirrigated) Condition

• 100 kg/ha

7.2. Irrigated Condition

• 75–80 kg/ha

8. Fertilizer Dose (NPK Requirements)

Barley gives good production even with less fertilizer.

8.1. Unirrigated Crop

• Nitrogen (N): 30 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 20 kg/ha
• Potash (K): 20 kg/ha

8.2. Irrigated Crop

• Nitrogen (N): 60 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 30 kg/ha
• Potash (K): 20 kg/ha

8.3. Application Method

Unirrigated: Apply all fertilizers during final ploughing.
Irrigated:
✔ Half nitrogen at sowing
✔ Half during first irrigation
✔ Apply entire phosphorus & potash at sowing

9. Irrigation Management of Barley

9.1. Stages of Irrigation

✔ First Irrigation: 30–35 days after sowing (tillering stage)
✔ Second Irrigation: 55–60 days after sowing (ear formation stage)

Important Tips:

• Avoid over-irrigation as it causes black & light grains.
• Ensure proper drainage.
• Sandy soil needs timely irrigation due to rapid moisture loss.

10. Weed Management in Barley

10.1. Manual Control

• Use a hand hoe or weeder in row-sown fields.
• Weed at 20–25 days and 40–45 days.

10.2. Chemical Control

Same herbicides used for wheat, like:

• 2,4-D Sodium Salt 80% WP
• Isoproturon

11. Barley Harvesting

Harvest when:

• Grains become hard
• Plants turn yellow
• Moisture reduces in spikes

Dry well in sunlight before storage.

12. Major Pests in Barley

12.1. Aphids

Small yellow-green or black insects that suck plant sap.

Damage:

• Leaves curl
• Plants weaken
• Black sooty mold develops
• Grain filling reduces

Control:

• Timely sowing
• Adequate phosphorus
• Neem-based pesticide (5 ml/litre)
• Yellow sticky traps
• Oxydemeton Methyl 25% (1.5 ml/litre) in heavy infestation

13. Diseases in Barley

13.1. Covered Smut

A seed-borne disease where black powder replaces grains.

Control:

• Treat seeds with Carbendazim (2 g/kg)
• Follow crop rotation
• Use healthy seeds
• Soak seeds for 4–5 hours in water & sun-dry

14. Important Tips for Barley Farming

• Sow at 4–5 cm depth
• Ensure good drainage
• Irrigate at proper intervals
• Timely pest/disease control
• Use certified seeds

15. Uses of Barley

15.1. Food Industry

Products made from barley:

• Barley flour
• Dalia
• Sattu
• Barley flakes
• Health food
• Diet food

15.2. Malt & Beer Industry

Highest demand comes from malt-quality barley.

15.3. Animal Feed

Grain, husk, and straw—all are nutritious feed.

15.4. Ayurvedic & Medicinal Uses

Barley is used in:
✔ Barley water
✔ Diet food
✔ Gut health products

16. Ways to Increase Barley Yield

✔ Use good-quality seeds
✔ Timely sowing (Oct–Dec)
✔ Maintain 20–22 cm row distance
✔ Apply balanced fertilizer
✔ Irrigate at tillering & ear formation
✔ Control weeds
✔ Prevent pests/diseases timely

With proper management, farmers can easily achieve:
35–45 quintal/ha yield

17. Market Demand & Profit in Barley

17.1. Market Demand

Demand increasing due to:

• Health food growth
• Beer industry expansion
• Animal feed demand
• Nutrition-rich food trend

17.2. Market Price

Barley price generally ranges between
₹1600 to ₹2200 per quintal
Malt-grade barley gets higher prices.

17.3. Total Profit

Low cost + fewer irrigations + fewer pesticides = High net profit

Farmers can earn:
₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per hectare

FAQs About Barley Farming

Q1. When to sow barley?
A: Between October to December.

Q2. How much water is required?
A: Only 3–4 irrigations.

Q3. Popular barley varieties?
A: RD 2035, RD 2552, DWRB 92, DWR 28, RD 2660.

Q4. How long does barley take to mature?
A: 120–140 days.

Q5. Major uses of barley?
A: Food products, beer, malt, animal feed, Ayurvedic medicines.

Q6. Major disease?
A: Covered Smut.

Q7. Major pest?
A: Aphids.

Q8. Best soil?
A: Loamy, medium-heavy, and alkaline soils.

Q9. Is barley suitable for double cropping?
A: Yes.

Q10. Average yield per hectare?
A: 30–45 quintals/ha.

Q11. Can barley grow in low rainfall?
A: Yes.

Q12. What fertilizer dose to apply?
A: Irrigated: 60:30:20 (N:P:K) | Unirrigated: 30:20:20

Conclusion — A Profitable Opportunity for Indian Farmers

Barley has become a highly profitable crop for Indian farmers today.
Low cost, less water requirement, rising demand, and climate tolerance make it an excellent crop choice.

If farmers follow:
✔ Good variety
✔ Correct sowing time
✔ Balanced fertilizers
✔ Timely irrigation

They can achieve excellent and stable income from barley farming.

👉 Explore detailed guides on other food grains farming – click here to read more.