1. Origin
Barnyard millet, including Echinochloa frumentacea and Echinochloa esculenta, originates from the mountainous regions of Japan and China. It later spread to other parts of Asia, including India, where it became integral to traditional farming and diets, especially in hilly and tribal areas.
2. Geographical Distribution in India
Widely cultivated in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and northeastern states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Manipur. It is also grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, particularly on marginal lands.
3. Economic Importance
- Short-duration crop (45–70 days)
- Highly nutritious: rich in fiber, iron, calcium, and amino acids
- Gluten-free, low glycemic index – ideal for diabetic and health-conscious consumers
- Used as human food, fodder, and bird feed
- Provides income support and promotes food security
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements
Soil: Sandy loam to loamy soils, well-drained, pH 5.5–7.5
Climate: Warm and moderately humid; 20°C–30°C; annual rainfall of 400–700 mm
5. Land Preparation
Plough the land 2–3 times, apply 5–10 tons FYM/ha, and level the field. Raised beds are useful in areas with poor drainage.
6. Varieties Developed in India
Popular varieties: Uttara, VL 207, VL 29, PRJ-1, CO 2, MDU 1, Bhavani – known for early maturity and disease resistance.
7. Seed Requirement
8–10 kg/ha for line sowing; 4–5 kg/ha for transplanting. Treat seeds with Thiram or Captan @ 2g/kg seed.
8. Sowing Time
June–July (Kharif); October–November (Rabi) in southern regions. Timing helps avoid pest peaks.
9. Cropping Systems
Intercropped with pulses like urad and moong. Suited for crop rotation and mixed farming systems in tribal areas.
10. Fertilizer Requirements
Apply 40:20:20 kg/ha of N:P:K. Half N and full P & K at sowing; remaining N at 30–35 DAS. Organic alternatives include compost and Azospirillum.
11. Water Requirements
Rainfed but benefits from protective irrigations during flowering and grain filling. Avoid over-irrigation.
12. Weed Management
- Manual weeding at 15 & 30 DAS
- Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence
- Mulching and interculture where applicable
13. Diseases and Management
- Blast: Use Carbendazim 0.1% spray; resistant varieties
- Smut: Seed treatment and crop rotation
- Rust: Managed with fungicides and hygiene
14. Insect Pests and Management
- Stem borer & Shoot fly: Treat with Chlorpyrifos or Dimethoate @ 2 ml/l
- Aphids, thrips: Use Imidacloprid @ 0.5 ml/l
- Neem-based sprays and regular scouting recommended
15. Harvesting & Threshing
Harvest at maturity (60–70 days). Dry earheads for 2–4 days and thresh manually or mechanically. Clean and store grains properly.
16. Yield
Grain: 10–18 q/ha; Straw: 20–30 q/ha under good conditions.
17. Post-Harvest Operations
Dry grains to below 12% moisture. Store in airtight containers. Process into flour, flakes, semolina, and snacks. Millet-based products are gaining demand in health and export markets.
