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Kharif / Summer (Zaid) • Nutri-Cereal / Millet
Bajra / Pearl Millet (Bājarī)
Pennisetum glaucum
Climate-resilient super-crop of Banaskantha, Kutch and Rajasthan. High in dietary iron, zinc, and fiber with minimum irrigation requirement.
Optimal Temperature
22°C - 38°C
Ideal Soil Moisture
25% - 50%
Daily Sunlight
8+ Hours/day
Growth Cycle
75 - 90 days
Soil Type & Fertilizer Ratios
Recommended Soil:
Light sandy soils, shallow loams with good drainage and low water holding capacity.
Recommended NPK Ratio:80:40:40 kg/ha
Irrigation Scheduling & Water Requirements
Requires 2-3 irrigations only: Tillering stage (25-30 DAS) and Flowering/Grain Filling (45-55 DAS).
Common Pests & Disease Vulnerabilities
- Downy Mildew / Green Ear Disease (Sclerospora)
- Ergot (Claviceps)
- Smut
- Shoot Fly
Optimal Harvesting Signs & Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest when cobs turn brownish-grey and grain becomes firm and moisture is below 15%.