Ragi Production in India: Top 10 Ragi Producing States in 2023
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ragi is an important cereal crop in India. Also known as finger millet, it is known for its nutritional value (rich source of calcium and iron), adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions, and minimal water requirements. It is one of most important crops of dryland farming. Due to its minimal input costs requirement, it is an ideal crop for subsistence farming.
In 2023, the production of ragi contributed significantly to food security and the livelihood of many small-scale farmers. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 ragi-producing states in India and understand what makes ragi cultivation so important and successful in these regions.
Ragi Production in India
India is the world’s leading producer of millets, and three varieties of millet forms the largest share in the total production of millet in India. These are Bajra (Pearl millet), Jowar (Sorghum), and Ragi (Finger millet). Out of these three Ragi production accounts for 11% of the overall production. The total production of Ragi in the country stands at 1998.36 thousand tonnes in 2020-21.
Top 10 Ragi Producing States in India
Karnataka is the largest producer of Ragi in the country contributing almost 70% to the total Ragi production. It is followed by Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh in top 5 ragi producing states.
Karnataka
Karnataka holds the top position in ragi production in India. The ragi production in the state is around 1370 thousand tonnes and it contributes almost 70 per cent to the total ragi production.
Ragi cultivation in the state is concentrated in the southern parts and Tumkuru district is the leading ragi producer. It is followed by Ramnagar, Bengaluru Rural, Hassan and Mandya.
Ragi is a staple in Karnataka and is used to prepare various dishes like ragi mudde (finger millet balls) and ragi dosra.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu comes in second place in the list of top ragi-producing states. In 2020-21, the ragi production in the state stood at 289 thousand tonnes and its share in total ragi production was around 14%.
Ragi is grown extensively in the dryland regions of the state, where it serves as a vital source of nutrition and income for the local population. The main ragi growing regions are Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, a hilly state in northern India, has emerged as a prominent ragi-producing region. The ragi production in the state is 130 thousand tonnes and its share in total production was around 6.5%. It is the third largest state in terms of ragi production.
The crop is grown in the state's upland areas, where rice and wheat cultivation are less feasible due to the challenging terrain. Ragi is well-suited to Uttarakhand's cooler climate and is a traditional crop for many hill communities. The main ragi cultivating district in the state is Almora.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is the 4th leading states in ragi production. Ragi is grown in the semi-arid regions of the state, where it is an essential part of the local diet. The crop's drought tolerance and adaptability make it a preferred choice for farmers in Maharashtra.
The ragi production in 2020-21 in the state was 93 thousand tonnes and it contributed approximately 4.65% to the overall ragi production in the country.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has made significant strides in ragi cultivation in recent years. With a production of 40 thousand tonnes, it is the 5th largest ragi producing state in the country. The state is known for cultivating Guli ragi and main regions are Vishakhapatnam and East Godavari districts.
The state's varied agro-climatic conditions, ranging from coastal to semi-arid regions, provide a suitable environment for ragi farming. Ragi is a staple in many Andhra households and is used to prepare dishes like ragi sangati (rice balls).
Odisha
Odisha with a total production of 33 thousand tonnes is the 6th largest ragi growing state in the country. The state's diverse geographical features, including coastal areas and plateaus, offer suitable conditions for ragi cultivation. The main districts where ragi is cultivated are Malkangiri and Koraput districts.
Ragi is a common ingredient in the local diet, and its cultivation has been supported by government initiatives and research efforts.
Jharkhand
Jharkhand, with its tribal and hilly terrain, is another prominent ragi-producing state. It is the 7th largest state in terms of ragi production. The total production of ragi in the state stood at around 17 thousand tonnes.
Ragi is well-suited to the state's agro-climatic conditions and is a source of sustenance for many tribal communities. The main district in the state known for ragi production is Gumla, which is also famous for its Ragi Revolution.
Gujarat
Gujarat with a total production of 13 thousand tonnes is the 8th largest ragi producing state in the country. The crop is cultivated in regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions, and its consumption is on the rise due to its nutritional benefits. The main ragi growing regions are Valsad, Dang, Panchmahal and Navsari districts.
West Bengal
West Bengal with a production of around 6.47 thousand tonnes is the 9th largest ragi growing state in India. Ragi is grown in parts of the state with appropriate agro-climatic conditions. The main regions are Saharjore in Purulia district and Kalimpong.
Bihar
The production of ragi in the agricultural state of Bihar in 2020-21 stood at around 3,000 tonnes. It is the 10th largest state in ragi production in the country. Ragi is a traditional crop in the region and plays an important role in the diet of local. The main ragi growing region in the state is Bhojpur district, where in 2023 two-day Millets Mahotsav was organised.
Conclusion
Ragi, a nutritious and climate-resilient crop, plays a significant role in India's food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. Government support, research initiatives, and increasing awareness about the nutritional benefits of ragi have all contributed to the success of ragi farming in these states.
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