Bajra

Botanical name for the largest type of millet plant in India is Pennisetum glaucum. Even though, it is indigenous to Africa, the plant is grown in the largest number in India. For poor people, this form of millet is supposedly the staple diet. Many places also have bajra as the food for cattle and some rural set ups also use this for thatching roofs. Mostly in the dry and arid climates, bajra crop is produced in large quantities. Since bajra is a form of millet, also known as pearl millet, it is suitable to be grown in semi arid climates, where hot and dry lands occur for short periods. Although the cultivation of pearl millet took popularity in Africa, it came into India in 1500 BC and since then, this crop has come up to become an important place to be cultivated in the country. Due to the adaptation of this millet crop in dry and arid conditions, it can be grown in India, where low fertility soil, dry climates, hot seasons and high salinity and low pH predominate. In contrast to other cereal crops like maize and wheat, bajra can easily grow in places where the former crops cannot grow.

Typical Condition for Growth of Bajra

Across the world, bajra is grown over an area of 260,000 sq kms and 50% of the millet production is related to bajra. This particular crop grows in the dry regions of the country and the ideal temperature range for its growth is within 25 – 31 deg C. Rainfall required for its growth is between 40-50 cms annually. Best production is when there is slight rainfall after which there is sunshine for rapid growth of the crop. It may not sustain the rainfall of more than 100 cms. The land condition required for good production is shady environment, black or red upland gravelly soils and can produce finely without irrigation even. Due to this crop being a kharif crop, people can go for its cultivation during the months of May and September, possible to be cultivated along with other crops such as jowar, cotton and ragi.

In India, Tamil Nadu is the highest producer of this staple crop and this is followed by Uttar Pradesh. It would be better to grow such crops in areas which are fertile. Also, many other components are possible to be included such as salinity and soil pH.

Bajra Production in India

Coming from Africa, the bajra crop was introduced in India around 2000 BC. From the sites of excavation at Hallur in India, it is evident that bajra was cultivated around 1500 BC. Conditions of growth favored its growth in the country. Mostly in the north western part of the country, there is prolific growth of this millet plant. It is nowadays produced in such large quantities that it has become the 5th most important cereal in the country. India is also the largest producer of bajra or pearl millet in the world. Since the crop survives even in adverse climates with high temperatures, drought, low fertility of soil and even low rainfall. Due to these characteristics of its growth requirements, bajra has been successfully cultivated in areas where other cereal crops cannot survive.

In India, the total area over which bajra is grown is around 11.34 million hectares, from where the total amount of the cereal produced is about 5.5 million tons. Many hybrid and composite varieties of bajra are found in India these days, which are small in height and grow very quickly and mature faster than the local varieties, which are longer and mature quite late.

Methods of Growing Bajra in India

Sown in light soil, in warm and dry climates, bajra doesn’t require stringent agricultural practices like other cereals for optimum growth. It can be said to be a hardy plant and a productive form of millet. Cultivation process of pearl millet is quite easy and can be done in any field by farmers. There is a preparatory tilling, where harrowing is done twice or thrice. This is followed by ploughing, producing a fine tilth, allowing a fine surface and depth for sowing of the seeds. Nutrient requirements are quite low for bajra. Newer hybrid plants require high doses of fertilizers. Compost and conventional manures can help in quick yields and faster growth. It is during the time of sowing that fertilizers, manures and pest control chemicals are placed in the soil. Organic manures should be put in place, about 20 days for the proper decomposition to occur. Nitrogen content of the soil should be maintained every 30 and 60 days. The right time for sowing is at the end of the month of July. There should be about 40-50 cms space between the plants in a row. Seeds should be properly treated with chemicals to prevent any seed borne diseases. With little plant protection measures, the bajra plants will keep on growing and in the process, give lots of yields, without requiring any further assistance from the farmers.

Bajra Growing States in India and Best Season

Best part of the crop of pearl millet or bajra is that it grows in such climatic conditions, which doesn’t require any precise limits. It can also grow on soils, which are not highly fertile. High temperature and low rainfall regions are rightly suited for its growth. Where the annual rainfall is about 70-80 cms, this plant is possible to be grown. Since it is a drought tolerant crop, it can grow in dry farming situations. Temperature between 20 and 30 deg C is good for its growth. Light rainfall, followed by bright sunlight helps in the growth of bajra plants and therefore post monsoon season is the best time for its harvesting and development. It is therefore included under the category of kharif crops, as it grows well in monsoon seasons in most parts of India and is perfect to be harvested in winters. So, in India, the best season for its growth is from May till September, while it is harvested during October and November. It can be grown alone or as a mixed crop with cotton, ragi and jowar.

Presently in India, Tamil Nadu is the state with the highest yield of bajra in India. Other states with good yield are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Haryana. Rajasthan in India has the largest area under bajra cultivation. So, the majority of the produce is from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the country of India.

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