Millet Farming
Advanced Pearl Millet Farming and Benefits – Complete Guide
July 13, 2023, Bhopal: Pearl millet, also known as Bajra, is a crop that thrives even under adverse conditions, low rainfall, and poor soil fertility. It provides nutritious and delicious fodder. Bajra is one of the major crops in Southeast Asia, China, India, Pakistan, Arab countries, Sudan, Russia, and Nigeria.
In India, Bajra is cultivated mainly in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. In Madhya Pradesh, about 2 lakh hectares are under Bajra cultivation, particularly in Bhind, Morena, Shyopur, and Gwalior districts. Bhind alone cultivates Bajra on approximately 45,000 hectares.
Pearl millet grains are nutritionally richer than sorghum, containing 12.4% moisture, 11.6% protein, 5% fat, 76% carbohydrates, and 2.7% minerals. Bajra is ideal for soils with low moisture and fertility, and performs well in sandy loam soils.
1. Preparation for Bajra Farming
1.1 Land Preparation
- Light or loamy sandy soils with good drainage are ideal.
- First plowing: Using a soil-turning plow.
- Second and third plowing: Using a traditional plow or cultivator.
- Bajra can grow in black, loamy, or red soils and tolerates waterlogging issues to some extent.
1.2 Sowing Time
- Rainfed areas: First week of July for Kharif season.
- Irrigated areas: March to mid-April in summer.
- Southern India: October-November for Rabi season.
1.3 Sowing Method
- Sowing in rows at 25 cm spacing, seed drill at 1.5-2 cm depth.
- Seed rate: 6-8 kg/ha.
- Seed treatment: Agrosan GN or Thiram at 3 g/kg.
2. Advanced Bajra Varieties
- I.C. MB 155
- W.C.C. 75
- I.C. TB 8203
- Raj-171
Selecting improved varieties ensures higher yield and better disease resistance.
3. Temperature and Climate Requirements
- Germination: 25°C
- Growth: 30-35°C
- Heat tolerance: Up to 40°C
- Annual rainfall: 40–75 cm is suitable.
4. Crop Rotation
- Rainfed areas: Follow Bajra with pulses like guar, moong, moth.
- Irrigated areas: Bajra–mustard, Bajra–cumin, Bajra–wheat rotation.
5. Fertilizers and Nutrient Management
- 5 tons of well-decomposed cow dung or compost per hectare.
- For rainfed Bajra: 40 kg Nitrogen + 40 kg Phosphorus per hectare.
- Apply fertilizers based on soil testing.
6. Pests and Diseases Management
6.1 Termites
- Prevention: Quinolphos or Chlorpyrifos 1.5% powder, 25–30 kg/ha.
- Seed treatment: Chlorpyrifos 4 ml/kg.
6.2 Shoot Fly
- Prevention: Quinolphos 1.5% powder, 20–25 kg/ha.
6.3 Downy Mildew (White Stripe)
- Seed treatment: 3% Carbofuran or 5% Quinolphos + 15 kg DAP per hectare.
6.4 Root Bugs
- Quinolphos 1.5% or Methyl Parathion 2% powder, 25 kg/ha.
6.5 Other Diseases (Jogia, Argat/Chepa, Smut)
- Seed treatment: Thiram 75% + Carbendazim 50%.
- Spray upon symptoms: Metalaxyl + Mancozeb mixture.
7. Weeding and Weed Management
- 25–30 days after sowing: Manual or mechanical weeding.
- Use herbicides like Atrazine or Alachlor.
- Atrazine dose: 0.5–0.75 kg/ha in 600 liters of water.
8. Irrigation
- Primarily rainfed, but irrigate if rainfall is insufficient.
- 3–4 irrigations are usually enough.
- Soil moisture is critical during grain formation for better yield.
9. Harvesting and Storage
- Harvesting: 69–75 days after sowing (50% maturity).
- Multi-cut varieties: First cut at 40–45 days, then every 30 days.
- Yield: 450–950 quintals of fodder per hectare.
- Storage: Keep grains in moisture-free conditions, 8–10% moisture.
10. Yield
- Irrigated: 3–4 tons of grain, 9–10 tons of dry fodder per hectare.
- Rainfed: 2–3 tons of grain, 6–7 tons of dry fodder per hectare.
11. Bajra Farming – Profit Summary per 1 Hectare
11.1. Yield per Hectare
| Condition | Grain (Tons) | Dry Fodder (Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigated | 3 – 4 | 9 – 10 |
| Rainfed | 2 – 3 | 6 – 7 |
11.2. Estimated Cost per Hectare
| Type of Expense | Estimated Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Seeds (6–8 kg/hectare) | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Fertilizers & Chemical Inputs | 6,000 – 7,000 |
| Pest & Disease Control | 3,000 – 4,000 |
| Irrigation & Other Expenses | 4,000 – 5,000 |
| Labor & Miscellaneous Expenses | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Total Cost | 23,000 – 28,500 |
11.3. Estimated Income per Hectare
| Product | Quantity | Market Price (₹/Ton) | Total Income (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajra Grain | 3 – 4 tons | 25,000 – 30,000 | 75,000 – 1,20,000 |
| Dry Fodder | 9 – 10 tons | 5,000 – 6,000 | 45,000 – 60,000 |
| Total Income | – | – | 1,20,000 – 1,80,000 |
11.4. Estimated Profit
Profit = Total Income – Total Cost
| Condition | Profit (₹) per Hectare |
|---|---|
| Irrigated | 95,000 – 1,55,000 |
| Rainfed | 70,000 – 1,10,000 |
Note: These figures are based on average market rates and yield. Actual profit may vary depending on soil, weather, and market conditions.
12. Health Benefits of Bajra
- Rich source of energy, keeps you full longer, helps in weight control.
- Controls cholesterol levels, supports heart health.
- High in magnesium and potassium, helps regulate blood pressure.
- Rich in fiber, aids digestion and prevents constipation.
- Excellent source of iron, especially beneficial for women and children.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time to sow Bajra?
A1: First week of July for Kharif; March–mid-April in irrigated areas; October–November in Southern India.
Q2: Which soil is suitable for Bajra?
A2: Light or loamy sandy soil with good drainage.
Q3: What are the improved Bajra varieties?
A3: I.C. MB 155, W.C.C. 75, I.C. TB 8203, Raj-171.
Q4: What nutrients are present in Bajra?
A4: Protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, and moisture.
Q5: How to control pests and diseases in Bajra?
A5: Seed treatment and spraying for termites, shoot fly, white stripe, root bugs.
Q6: How many irrigations does Bajra need?
A6: 3–4 irrigations if rainfall is insufficient.
Q7: When to harvest Bajra?
A7: 69–75 days after sowing, or earlier for multi-cut varieties.
Q8: Why is Bajra healthy?
A8: Provides energy, fiber, iron, minerals, and supports digestion.
Q9: How to store Bajra grains?
A9: Dry, moisture-free place with 8–10% moisture content.
Q10: What is the expected yield of Bajra?
A10: Irrigated: 3–4 tons grain; Rainfed: 2–3 tons grain per hectare.
Conclusion
Pearl millet (Bajra) is not only a vital source of income for Indian farmers but also a nutritious crop that supports health. By adopting modern farming techniques, farmers can increase yield and earn better returns. Dear farmers, with dedication and proper knowledge, Bajra can become a strong pillar of your economic and nutritional security.
Internal Link: Read more about maize farming – Subsistence Farming
External Link: For official agricultural information, visit – Government of India Farmer Portal