Finger Millet
Ragi Farming – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Farmers
Ragi, also known as Finger Millet, African Ragi, Mandua, and Red Millet, is one of the oldest edible grains grown by humans. Historical evidence shows that Ragi originated from the highlands of Ethiopia and was introduced to India over 4000 years ago.
The crop is extremely drought-tolerant, survives harsh climates, and can also be cultivated in hilly and rainfed areas. Ragi is a short-duration crop, and depending on the variety, it can be harvested in 65–120 days.
Nutritionally, Ragi is a powerhouse grain packed with Protein, Iron, Calcium (344 mg/100g), and Potassium (408 mg/100g). It also contains essential amino acids, which make it an ideal food for children, anemic patients, and elderly people.
Due to low cost of cultivation, less water requirement, and high market demand in the health food sector, ragi farming is an excellent profit choice for small and large farmers. Under proper management, farmers can obtain 8–12 quintal per acre yield.
Climate Requirement for Ragi Farming
| Parameter | Ideal Condition |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20-34°C |
| Sowing Temperature | 30-34°C |
| Harvesting Temperature | 20-30°C |
| Rainfall Needed | Around 100 cm |
| Suitable Season | Mainly Kharif (but can grow yearly in suitable climate) |
Heavy rainfall areas should use nursery transplanting method for better results.
Suitable Soil for Ragi
- Can grow well in light loamy to less fertile hilly soil.
- Best soil is well-drained black soil.
- Soil pH 4.5–8 is ideal.
- Waterlogged or heavy clay soil should be avoided.
Popular Ragi Varieties & Yield per Acre
| Variety | Duration (Days) | Average Yield | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PES 400 | 98-102 | ~8 q/acre | Early, blast-resistant |
| PES 176 | 102-105 | 8-9 q/acre | Brown seeds, disease tolerant |
| KM-65 | 98-102 | 8-10 q/acre | Suitable for hills |
| VL 315 | 105-115 | 10-11 q/acre | Blast & neck blast resistant |
| VL 146 | 95-100 | 9-10 q/acre | Disease resistant |
| VL 149 | 98-102 | 10-11 q/acre | Early, adaptive |
| VL 124 | 95-100 | ~10 q/acre | Good for grain + fodder |
| VL Mandua 352 | 95-100 | 8-10 q/acre | All states except Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu |
| VR 708 / PES 110 / PR 202 / JNR 852 / MR 374 | – | – | Suitable & strong varieties |
With good management yield can go even higher.
Land Preparation
Crop Rotation
Ragi performs best when rotated with crops like Chickpea, Mustard, Flax, Barley, and Tobacco.
Intercropping
- Ragi + Soybean (90:100) works well in hilly regions.
- Ragi in Kharif and Barley in Rabi is a profitable cropping system.
Soil Preparation
- Plough 2–3 times to destroy weeds.
- Level the field properly before sowing.
- Maintain moisture before seeding.
Sowing and Planting Methods
| Particular | Specification |
|---|---|
| Season | June–July (Kharif) |
| Seed Rate | 4 kg per acre |
| Spacing | 25×15 cm |
| Seed Depth | Max 3–4 cm |
| Methods | Broadcasting, Line sowing, Drill sowing, Nursery transplanting |
Nursery Transplanting Method
- Prepare nursery in May-June.
- Use 2 kg seed per acre for nursery.
- Transplant seedlings 3–4 weeks old.
- Dip roots in Azospirillum solution for 15–30 minutes before transplanting.
Seed Treatment
| Chemical | Dose per kg seed |
|---|---|
| Thiram | 4 g |
| Captan | 4 g |
| Carbendazim | 2 g |
Bio Treatment: Azospirillum + Aspergillus 25 g/kg improves germination & root health.
Fertilizer Requirement per Acre
| Fertilizer | Dose |
|---|---|
| Urea | 52 kg |
| SSP (Single Super Phosphate) | 80 kg |
| MOP (Muriate of Potash) | 14 kg |
Nutrient Distribution
| Nitrogen | Phosphorus | Potassium (K) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 kg | 12 kg | 12 kg |
- Apply 5–10 tons FYM/acre one month before sowing.
- Apply full P & K + half N at sowing.
- Remaining nitrogen in two splits (30 & 50 days after sowing).
Irrigation Schedule
Ragi mostly grows under rainfed conditions, but irrigation improves yield.
| Irrigation No. | Timing |
|---|---|
| 1st | Immediately after sowing |
| 2nd | After 3 days |
| 3rd | After 7 days |
| 4th | After 12 days |
| 5th | After 18 days |
Ensure proper drainage during heavy rainfall.
Weed Control
- Hand weeding + 2–3 hoeings essential.
- Herbicides:
| Type | Chemical & Dose |
|---|---|
| Pre-emergence | Oxyfluorfen 1.25 kg/acre |
| Post-emergence (20-25 DAS) | 2-4 D Sodium Salt 250 gm/acre |
Pests & Disease Management in Ragi
| Problem | Symptoms | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Cutworm/Armyworm | Stem cut at base | Malathion 5% @ 10 kg/acre |
| Aphids | Yellow curling leaves | Dimethoate 200 ml/acre spray |
| Stem borer | Dead central shoot | Carbaryl 1 kg/acre |
| Earhead Caterpillar | Eats grains | Pheromone traps + Malathion spray |
| Grasshopper | Leaf eaten | Carbaryl 600 g/acre |
| Leaf Folder | Leaves rolled | Chlorpyrifos 2.5 ml/L spray |
| Blast/Neck blast | Rotten ears | Carbendazim treatment & spray |
| Leaf spot | Black spots | Methyl Demeton 200 ml/acre |
Harvesting & Post-Harvest
- Crop matures in 120–135 days, depending on variety.
- Harvest earheads first, then cut plants.
- Sun dry 3–4 days before threshing.
- Store grains in moisture-free airtight bags.
Uses of Ragi
- Ragi flour, roti, porridge, laddoo, multigrain mix
- Baby food, health beverages
- Used for beer and fermented drinks
- Highly recommended for bone health due to high calcium
Benefits of Ragi Farming
✔ Requires less water
✔ Grows well in drought-prone regions
✔ Low investment farming
✔ Highly nutritious & high market demand
✔ Suitable for organic farming
✔ Performs best in hilly regions
Expert Tips for Higher Yield
- Always use certified seeds
- Maintain spacing to avoid fungal infection
- Nursery transplanting gives better yield
- Keep field weed-free in early growth stage
- Dry grains completely before sale/storage
🔗 Explore detailed guides on other food grains farming – click here to read more.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to grow ragi?
June–July (Kharif), but can grow yearly depending on irrigation.
2. What is the yield of ragi per acre?
8–12 quintal/acre on average.
3. What spacing should be maintained?
25×15 cm for best growth.
4. Which soil is ideal?
Well-drained loamy/black soil with pH 4.5–8.
5. Seed rate per acre?
4 kg per acre.
6. Does ragi require irrigation?
Mostly rainfed, but light irrigation increases yield.
7. How much fertilizer is used?
25:12:12 NPK + FYM 5–10 tons/acre.
8. Major diseases in ragi?
Blast, leaf spot, leaf folder.
9. Calcium content in ragi?
344 mg per 100 g approximately.
10. Is ragi good for children?
Yes, highly nutritious and recommended as baby food.
Conclusion
Ragi is a nutritious, climate-resilient, and profitable crop for small and large farmers. With proper crop management, irrigation, and disease control, farmers can achieve high yields and earn better income from this millet crop.
Grow Ragi – save soil, boost health, and increase profit!
Wishing all farmers a successful harvest. 🌾🙏
Reference Websites
- Government of India – Agriculture and Horticulture Content (hi.vikaspedia.in)
- HP Agriculture Department
- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra Portal