Explore the Bajra Farming in India - Delhi

Bajra farming in India, also known as pearl millet agriculture, is crucial in India, where it thrives in areas with limited rainfall and less rich soil. Its durability and versatility make it more popular. Bajra is an important part of Indian agriculture, providing as a staple meal for healthy rotis, cereals, and porridge, as well as animal fodder and contributing to the creation of alcoholic drinks.

Uses of Bajra

Bajra serves as a staple food, fodder for livestock, and a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Its versatility makes it a crucial component of diverse agricultural practices.

Selection of Land: Choosing well-drained fields with sandy or loamy soil having good water-holding capacity is essential. The selected land should receive full sunlight throughout the day, and salinity or pH levels should be within the suitable range.

Seed Selection and Treatment: High-quality seeds from reliable sources, including state-specific varieties, are crucial. Treating the seeds with fungicides and organic manure protects against diseases. Varieties such as NBH-149, VBH-4, and ICM4-155 are recognized for their high yields.

Land Preparation: Thorough ploughing or tilling of the land removes weeds and improves soil structure. Adding well-rotted organic manure enhances fertility. Furrows or ridges are created at appropriate spacings.

Sowing: Sowing typically occurs during the monsoon season, between June and July. Treated seeds are sown at a depth of 3-5 cm, maintaining specific row and intra-row spacings to ensure even distribution.

Seed Rate of Bajra: The seed rate varies based on the planting method, with drilling requiring 4-5 kilograms per hectare and dibbling using around 2.5-3 kilograms.

Irrigation: Moderate water is crucial, especially during growth and development stages. Efficient irrigation techniques, such as sprinklers and drip systems, ensure uniform distribution and optimal water usage during key stages of growth.

Weeding and Pest Control: Regular weeding prevents resource competition, and vigilance against pests and diseases is crucial. Control measures include the use of organic insecticides, thiram, or carbendazim for seed treatment.

Fertilizer Application: Based on soil nutrient analysis, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are applied in split doses during sowing and subsequent growth stages. Hybrid and composite varieties have specific fertilizer recommendations per hectare.

Harvesting: Harvest when grains turn hard and brown, retaining 18-20% moisture. Plants are cut close to the ground, bundled, and dried for 4-5 days. Threshing separates grains from stalks. Clean, dry, and store harvested bajra in moisture-proof containers, ensuring good ventilation.

With yields ranging from 30-35 quintals per hectare for irrigated crops and 12-15 quintals for unirrigated crops, bajra farming offers a sustainable and versatile approach in Indian agriculture. Its resilience, diverse applications, and nutritional benefits contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape.