Did you know that Jowar is considered one of the top-tier healthy grains? Yes, you heard it right. Jowar, also known as “sorghum,” is a staple food grain of India. It is gaining popularity by the name “New Quinoa” due to its gluten-free nature and whole-grain health benefits. Today, we will explore 10 major jowar producing states in India. Let us understand each state in detail.
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About Jowar
Jowar or Sorghum came from East-Central Africa, and it belongs to the Graminae family. It is one of the prominent cereal crops in India and is a highly nutritious and gluten-free. It is packed with fiber, iron, and magnesium which makes it excellent for heart health, digestion, weight management, and managing blood sugar. Jowar is a sustainable and drought-resistant grain that is commonly consumed as rotis, porridge, or porridge.
You can learn all about Jowar farming in our blog, Jowar Farming in India: From Sowing to Harvesting.
Jowar Producing States in India
Based on APEDA report, we have discussed the top 10 jowar producing states of India and the amount produced in 2024-25:
Maharashtra
The highest producer of jowar in India is Maharashtra. It accounts for around 18.45 lakh tonnes, which amounts to 37.24% of the total production. Bhakri is made as a flatbread in Maharashtra, which is served with curries and non-vegetarian cuisines. Jowar is mostly cultivated in most of the districts in Maharashtra, but Dharashiv, Nanded, Yavatmal, Buldhana, Kolhapur and Ahilyanagar are major jowar producing districts.
Karnataka
Karnataka ranks 2nd in the list of jowar producing states after Maharashtra. Jowar is the second most important crop in Karnataka after paddy. Karnataka contributed 8.15 lakh tonnes in the production of jowar. Mainly, jowar is grown in the north-eastern parts of the Karnataka plateau. Dharwad, Bijapur, Raichur, and Belgaum are the districts with the majority of jowar production in the state.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the largest in terms of area in India. It holds the 3rd position in terms of production of jowar, which is 5.20 lakh tonnes. Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara and Baran are some districts of Rajasthan where Jowar is commonly produced. Jowar flour is one of the specialities of Rajasthan. It is gluten-free, so people who are allergic to gluten can easily consume jowar roti and dishes made from jowar. Bhakri and Porridge are some famous dishes made from Jowar in the state.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in terms of population in India. It ranks 4th in jowar producing states with a production of 4.34 lakh tonnes. The state covers an 8.77 per cent share of jowar production. Mathura, Agra and Firozabad are some famous jowar producing districts. Jowar Papad of Hamirpur is a popular snack.
Andhra Pradesh
The popular southern state of India, Andhra Pradesh, basically has an agricultural economy. It contributes to the production of 2.87 lakh tonnes of jowar, and its production share is 5.79%. Mahbubnagar, Khammam, Adilabad, Medak and Guntur are the major jowar producing districts of Andhra Pradesh. Bhakri, Cheela, and Dosa are some popular food items made from jowar in the state.
Tamil Nadu
The production of jowar in Tamil Nadu was 2.93 lakh tonnes. Most of the production comes from districts such as Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, and Dharmapuri. Tamil Nadu currently has an 8.28 per cent share in jowar production.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has immense agricultural potential and produces most of the jowar in the Kharif season. Madhya Pradesh had a remarkable jowar production of 1.82 lakh tonnes, and its per cent share was 3.69. Ujjain, Devas and Shajapur are some popular jowar producing districts.
Telangana
Telangana is a newly formed state of India and has a semi-arid, hot, and dry climate, where crops need less water to grow, which is suitable for jowar cultivation. The state contributes to the overall 3.84 lakh tonnes production, covering 7.77% of jowar production.
Gujarat
Jowar is grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons in Gujarat. The overall contribution of Gujarat is 0.49 lakh tonnes of jowar, making 1% of the total production. Jowar is grown as a primary grain crop in South Gujarat. But in northern Gujarat and Saurashtra, jowar is mostly cultivated as fodder for the dairy industry. Most of the jowar cultivation is done in Surat and Tapi districts, which have suitable climatic and soil conditions for the jowar cultivation.
Haryana
Last but not least, we have Haryana in the list, which gives an overall production of 0.09 lakh tonnes. Haryana focuses on sustainable agriculture and the promotion of climate resilient crops in the state. The south-western part of Haryana is suitable for the growth of jowar. Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Hisar, Rohtak, and Rewari are some districts where jowar is mostly produced in the state.
Scope of Jowar Farming in India
There’s a tremendous scope for jowar farming in India as the country has seen a growth in recent years. Its use in different kinds of commercial purposes is making jowar an important agricultural product in the whole world. It is also used as a livestock feed and fodder. Some places also have facilities to produce alcohol from jowar. Sorghum has a sweet stalk, which can be used as raw material for ethanol, paper making, and some other industrial purposes. In India, jowar has been included as a commodity in the commodity market.
A new study by “Times of India” has uncovered Jowar as India’s resilient substitute for wheat. As Jowar is super adaptable and requires less water to grow, and it has a greater tolerance to temperature fluctuations as compared to wheat, it is possible that Jowar will acquire the position of many crops, resulting in a huge demand for Jowar farming in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions On Top 10 Jowar Producing
1. Which state is the largest producer of jowar in India?
Maharashtra is the largest producer of jowar in India.
2. Which soil is the best for growing jowar in India?
Black cotton soil is the best soil for growing jowar in India.
3. What is the best climate for jowar production?
Jowar requires areas with less than 100 cm of rainfall and a temperature ranging from 26° C to 33° C for its growth.
4. How many days does jowar take to grow?
The first cutting of jowar should be done at 55 to 65 days after sowing, and the subsequent cuts can be done in a 30–35-day interval.
5. Which district in Karnataka is famous for jowar production?
Vijayapur district in Karnataka is renowned for its jowar production.
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