A Comprehensive Guide on Bajra Farming in India: From Sowing to Harvesting

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Uses of Bajra
• A Guide to High Yields in Bajra Farming
• • Selection of Land
  • Seed Selection and Treatment
  • Land Preparation
  • Sowing
  • Seed Rate of Bajra
  • Irrigation
  • Weeding and Pest Control
  • Fertiliser Application
  • Harvesting
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

Bajra, or pearl millet, is a crucial crop grown extensively in India. This tough cereal grain can flourish in areas with little rainfall and not-so-fertile soil. Bajra farming is becoming more popular because it serves various purposes for the general population. We will walk you through the entire process of bajra farming in India, from planting the seeds to crop harvesting.

Uses of Bajra

Bajra has multiple uses in India. It is a staple food in many regions, where it is ground into flour and used to make nutritious rotis, cereals, and porridge. Bajra grains are also used as animal fodder, providing valuable nutrition for livestock. Additionally, bajra is utilised in the production of alcoholic beverages like beer and spirits.

A Guide to High Yields in Bajra Farming

Following are the key aspects involved in bajra farming, covering the entire cultivation process from sowing to harvesting:

Selection of Land

Choose a well-drained field with sandy or loamy soil that has good water-holding capacity. The soil should have high salinity or low to neutral pH. Bajra cannot tolerate a wide range of waterlogging and acidic soils. Ensure the land receives full sunlight throughout the day.

Seed Selection and Treatment

Obtain high-quality seeds from a reliable source. Every state has its own type of bajra developed by its agricultural universities. In Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, NBH-149 and VBH-4 varieties are recognised for producing more crops. ICM4-155 is known for its high yield across the entire country. Other hybrids, such as MP-204 and NH338, are also cultivated.

Treat the bajra seeds with a fungicide to protect against seed-borne diseases. You can also use bio-fertilisers or organic manure for seed treatment. Before planting, protect the seeds from diseases by applying 2-2.5 grams of thiram or carbendazim per kilogram of seeds. Use a 20% salt solution for seed treatment to prevent Ergot.

Land Preparation

Before sowing, prepare the land by ploughing or tilling it thoroughly to remove weeds and improve soil structure. You need 2-3 harrowing and then a ploughing to achieve a fine tilth. Add well-rotted organic manure or farmyard compost to enhance soil fertility. Create furrows or ridges at a suitable spacing of 30-40 cm.

Sowing

Bajra is usually sown during the monsoon season in India, between June and July or the Kharif season months. Sow the treated seeds at a depth of 3-5 cm and maintain a spacing of 55 cm between the rows. Within the rows, a gap of 10-15 cm must be maintained. Ensure that the seeds are evenly distributed along the furrow.

Seed Rate of Bajra

Bajra seeds are planted using drilling or dibbling methods. The amount of seeds needed varies based on the method used. For the drilling method, an average of 4-5 kilograms per hectare is used, while for dibbling, around 2.5-3 kilograms are used.

Irrigation

Bajra requires moderate water, especially during its growth and development stages. Irrigate the field immediately after sowing and provide regular watering during the initial growth stages. Avoid waterlogging, as it can adversely affect the crop by developing root rot.

You can take the help of efficient irrigation techniques like sprinkler and drip irrigation systems to guarantee uniform distribution and optimise water usage. You must irrigate your farm during the following stages:

• Transplanting
• 7 days after transplantation
• 3 weeks after transplantation
• Panicle initiation
• Flowering
• Grain development stage

Weeding and Pest Control

Remove weeds regularly to avoid competition for resources like nutrients, water and sunlight. Hand weeding or shallow tilling can be done during the early stages of growth. Monitor the crop for any signs of pests/diseases and take apt measures, like applying organic insecticides or contacting agricultural experts for guidance.

• The major threat to bajra cultivation is pests like Stem bores and grasshoppers. You can control them by spraying 2 litres of Eldring 20 cc two times or dusting with BHC 5%.
• The primary disease impacting the crop is Downy mildew. To control it, fungicides Dithane Z-78 or M-45 @ 2 kg per hectare in 900-1000 litres of water.
• To prevent smut, treat the seeds with Ceresan or Thiram at a rate of 1-2 grams per kilogram of seeds.
• To control Ergot, treat the seeds by soaking them in a 20% common salt solution. After that, wash them with fresh water and then treat them with Thiram or Ceresan at a rate of 1-2 grams per kilogram of seeds.

Fertiliser Application

Based on soil nutrient analysis, apply fertilisers like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at recommended doses. Apply the fertilisers in split doses, with the first dose applied at the time of sowing and subsequent doses during the growth stages. Organic manure can also be used as an alternative to chemical fertilisers.

For hybrid varieties, it is usually recommended to use 80-100 kilograms of nitrogen, 40-50 kilograms of phosphorous, and 40 kilograms of potash per hectare. For composite varieties, the recommendation is 40-50 kilograms of nitrogen, 25 kilograms of phosphorous, and 25 kilograms of potash per hectare.

Harvesting

Harvest the crop when the grains turn hard and brown and retain 18 to 20% moisture. Cut the plants close to the ground, bind them into bundles and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area for 4-5 days. After drying, thresh the bundles to separate the grains from the stalks.

After separating the grains, clean and dry them in the sun until they reach about 12-14% moisture. Properly store the harvested bajra grains in moisture-proof containers to prevent fungal infestations. Ensure good ventilation to avoid moisture build-up.

Then, you can bag the grains and store them in a cool and dry place. The yield for irrigated crops is 30-35 quintals per hectare. For unirrigated crops, it is 12-15 quintals per hectare.

Final Thoughts

Farming bajra in India can be a good way to make money, especially in places where it is tough to grow other crops because of tough conditions. If you use this guide, you will grow bajra well, helping with food and income.

Make sure to adopt the steps mentioned in the guide based on where you are, the weather, and advice from experts. Wishing you successful bajra farming!