1. Origin
Proso millet, also known as common millet or broomcorn millet, is one of the oldest cultivated cereals, believed to have originated in Central and East Asia. It has been grown in China for over 5,000 years and gradually spread to India, Russia, and Europe. Its adaptability and low input requirement make it ideal for dryland farming.
2. Geographical Distribution in India
It is primarily cultivated in dry and tribal regions of India. Major states include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It thrives under rainfed conditions and is suitable for hilly and arid zones.
3. Economic Importance
- Short-duration crop (60–90 days), ideal for double cropping.
- Rich in protein, fiber, phosphorus, and magnesium.
- Gluten-free – suitable for gluten intolerance.
- Gaining attention in health-conscious and organic markets.
- Can be used as food, fodder, and bird feed.
- Supports food security in marginal lands.
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements
Soil: Prefers light to medium sandy loam soils with good drainage (pH 5.5–7.0). Tolerates poor and shallow soils.
Climate: Thrives in warm, dry climate with 350–450 mm rainfall. Optimum temperature: 25–30°C. Drought-tolerant.
5. Land Preparation
- 1–2 deep ploughings + harrowing for fine tilth.
- Remove weeds and crop residues.
- Incorporate 5–10 tons/ha of FYM or compost.
- Ensure levelled land to avoid waterlogging.
6. Varieties Developed in India
Dhanvarsha, TNAU 51, CO 5, KOPM 6, Pratap Cheno-1, GPUPM-1 – high yielding, early maturing (60–80 days), and disease-resistant.
7. Seed Requirement
- 8–10 kg/ha for direct sowing, 4–5 kg/ha for transplanting.
- Seed treatment with Captan/Thiram @ 2 g/kg seed recommended.
8. Sowing Time
- Kharif: June–July (monsoon onset).
- Rabi (irrigated): October–November.
9. Cropping Systems
- Can be sole cropped or intercropped with legumes like green gram.
- Well-suited to double cropping systems.
- Rotation with pulses/oilseeds enhances soil health.
10. Fertilizer Requirements
- Apply 40 kg N, 20 kg P2O5, 20 kg K2O per ha.
- Half N + full P and K at sowing; balance N at 30–35 DAS.
11. Water Requirements
Requires 250–350 mm of water. Primarily rainfed but benefits from 1–2 irrigations during flowering and grain filling stages.
12. Weed Management
- Critical period: first 30 days.
- Manual weeding at 15 & 30 DAS effective.
- Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha as pre-emergence herbicide.
13. Diseases and Their Management
- Downy mildew: Controlled with seed treatment + Metalaxyl spray.
- Blast: Use resistant varieties, Carbendazim @ 0.1% spray.
- Leaf spot/rust: Rotation + timely fungicide use.
14. Insect Pests and Their Management
- Shoot fly, stem borer: Treated seeds + Dimethoate/Chlorpyrifos @ 2 ml/l.
- Cutworms, aphids: Monitoring + Imidacloprid sprays.
15. Harvesting & Threshing
Harvest when grains harden and plant yellows (60–90 days). Cut and stack for 2–3 days, then thresh manually or mechanically. Dry to <12% moisture.
16. Yield of Crop
- Grain: 10–20 quintals/ha.
- Straw: 30–40 quintals/ha.
17. Post Harvest Operations
- Proper drying, cleaning, and airtight storage.
- Inspect and fumigate periodically.
- Process into flour, flakes, or value-added products.
Proso millet is a climate-resilient, low-input, nutritious crop that supports food and income security, especially in dryland regions. It holds great potential in the health-conscious and organic food sectors.
