Millets production in India (a general view)

 

Millets production  in India .

 

1)At present, India produces 170 lakh tons of millet (20 % of the global output). The global average yield is 1,229 kg per hectare, while the average yield of millets in India is 1,239 kg per hectare.

 

2)In India, Jowar and Bajra are grown in most states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, except North East states, Himachal Pradeshand Jammu and Kashmir. Both can be grown as Kharif (July -November) and Rabi(October – February) crops.

 

3)Traditional varieties of these crops are available in India. They exhibit a wide range of variations concerning duration and quality. They can be grown as sole crops, intercrop, and mixed crops. The crop duration varies from 90 -120 days. The mixed cropping of Jowar-Arhar and Jowar with other pulses and even Bajra and other cereals could be done.

 

4)The crop rotation of mung followed by Jowar improves soil fertility. Bajra can also be grown as a mixed crop. Finger millet (Ragi) is an important cereal of Karnataka. It grows as summer and Rabi crops in Southern India but mainly as a Kharif crop in Northern India. It can grow in alkaline soil with a pH as high as 11. The duration of the Ragi crop is 135 days. It grows as the sole crop in Southern India and Orissa, as a mixed crop with Jowar, Bajra, Oilseed, and Pulses, and as an off-season crop in rice fallow.

 

5)Foxtail (Italian) millet can grow under tropical and temperate conditions. It grows throughout the year in Southern India. The duration of the crop is 80-100 days.The Little millet and Barnyard millet are also produced under rainfed conditions. Both canwithstand drought and waterlogging conditions.Proso,Kodo, and Browntop millets are highly drought resistant. Browntop has the shortest duration of 70-75 days among all millets