Bajra Crop - Study Its Cultivation Phases, Climatic Conditions, Importance & More!

Bajra Crop is a traditional name for Pearl Millet. It is an edible seed of the Pearl Millet plant species. Bajra crop cultivation is done in various varieties and is grown in various colours, such as white, yellow and grey. It is an important crop with many health benefits and is one of the most commercial crops. India is the largest Bajra-producing country, followed by the African country, Nigeria.

Bajra Crop is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the geography subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-1 syllabus and General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

Bajra Crop

In this article, we shall study the Bajra crop information, cultivation phases, importance and initiatives to promote the Bajra crop. 

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About Bajra Crop (Pearl Millet)

• The Bajra crop is also known as Pearl Millet and belongs to the Gramineae family. It originated in India and Africa. 
• The Bajra crop is a coarse grain crop and is regarded as the primary food source for approximately 100 million rural populations. 
• Africa and Asia both use it as livestock feed. With a yield of 7.9 million tonnes and productivity of 791 kg/ha, it is mostly farmed in India on 10 million hectares. 
• Bajra crop contains a lot of carbohydrates (60–70%), fibre (1.2%), fat (5%) and protein (12.6%). 
• Rajasthan is the state that produces the most Bajra crop, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Tamil Nadu is the state with the highest yield. 
• In some areas of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, it is grown from February to May throughout the summer. 
• In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is also grown on a modest scale throughout November to February during the post-rainy season, popularly known as the Rabi season. 

Pearl Millet Bajra Crop At Glance
Bajra Crop Duration Month	February - May
Bajra Crop Information	Bajra is grown in warm and Dry Climatic Conditions.
Bajra Crop Cultivation Soil	Black cotton soils and sandy loam soils
Water Requirements	Drought-Tolerant Crop

Study in detail about Rabi and Kharif Crops for UPSC preparation!

Cultivation Phases of Bajra Crop

The Bajra cultivation phases are divided into 3 phases. Let's discuss the phases.

Phase 1

In this phase, the seedling establishment occurs with the growth of roots, leaves, and tillers, including the initiation of the panicle.

Phase 2

Panicle lengthening and the development of floral components are characteristics of this phase. All leaves lengthen, all tillers emerge, tiller floral initiation occurs, and the stem lengthens during this period. The end of this stage is indicated by the emergence of stigmas on the panicle.

Phase 3

This phase lasts until the plant reaches maturity and starts with floret fertilisation. Dry matter accumulates in the development of grains and, to a lesser extent, in the growth of tiller stems and leaves. Towards the end of this phase, a black layer forms at the bottom of the grain, indicating physiological maturity.

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Farming Techniques of Bajra

Sowing pearl bajra can be done using three methods: on a flat surface, with a ridge and furrow system, or with a broad bed and furrow system.

• The recommended sowing depth for pearl bajra seeds is 2.5 cm to 3 cm.
• In the northern and central parts of India, kharif pearl bajra sowing should commence in the first two weeks of July with the onset of monsoon. In Tamil Nadu, the rabi season starts in the first two weeks of October.
• If there are gaps in the population, transplanting seedlings can be done after 2 to 3 weeks of sowing.
• In Maharashtra's Marathwada region, it is advised to practice dry sowing before the first monsoon rains.
• For summer pearl bajra, sowing should be done from the 4th to the 5th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). To maximise production, it is the last week of January to the first week of February, especially in Zone B.
• In the arid-western plains of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Kutch in Gujarat (A1 zone), pearl bajra should be planted in rows spaced 60 cm apart, with a low plant population of 1.00 to 1.25 lac/ha.
• For areas with over 450 mm of rainfall (zones A and B), the crop should be planted at 45 x 10-15 cm spacing, with a population of 1.75 to 2.0 lakhs/ha.
• The recommended seed rate for pearl bajra is 3 to 4 kg/ha to achieve the desired plant stand.

Sowing Period of Bajra

In India, pearl millet is cultivated across three distinct seasons:

1. Kharif Season: This period runs from June to October and relies on rainfed agriculture.
2. Winter Season: Spanning from November to February, it relies on rainfed farming.
3. Summer Season: Occurs from March to June.

• In states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, and Gujarat, pearl millet is cultivated as an irrigated crop during summer.
• For optimal results, sowing of pearl millet should commence with the onset of the monsoon, typically during the first half of July in the North and Central regions of the country.
• To achieve higher summer pearl millet yields, sowing the crop from the last week of January to the first week of February is advisable.
• In Tamil Nadu, the appropriate time for sowing pearl millet in the rabi season is during the first half of October.
• The ideal window for sowing Bajra (pearl millet) falls between the middle and the last week of July to ensure optimal growth and production.

Nutritional Details of Bajra

Bajra is a nutritious and versatile grain that has been a dietary staple in many regions worldwide, particularly in India and Africa. It offers a range of essential nutrients, contributing to its popularity as a valuable food source. 

Here are the nutritional details of Bajra per 100 grams of raw, uncooked grain:

• Calories: Bajra is relatively low in calories, providing approximately 378 calories per 100 grams.
• Carbohydrates: It is a carbohydrate-rich grain, with about 67 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. These carbohydrates are primarily complex carbohydrates, making Bajra an excellent source of sustained energy.
• Protein: Bajra contains a moderate amount of protein, around 11 grams per 100 grams. While it is not as protein-rich as other grains, it still contributes to your daily protein intake.
• Dietary Fiber: Bajra is a good source of dietary fiber, providing approximately 8 grams per 100 grams. Dietary fiber aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Fat: Bajra has a low fat content, with only about 5 grams of fat per 100 grams. The fat in Bajra is primarily unsaturated fat, which is considered heart-healthy.
• Vitamins: Bajra is rich in several vitamins, including B vitamins like niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), and vitamin B6. These vitamins play essential roles in energy metabolism and overall health.
• Minerals: It is a good magnesium, phosphorus, and iron source. Magnesium is crucial for muscle and nerve function, phosphorus is vital for bone health, and iron is essential for oxygen transport.
• Antioxidants: Bajra contains antioxidants which help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Antioxidants are known for their potential health benefits.
• Gluten-Free: Bajra is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
• Low Glycemic Index: It has a relatively low glycemic index (GI), which means it has a slower impact on blood sugar levels, making it suitable for those looking to manage their blood sugar.

Conditions to Grow Bajra Crop

Bajra crop requires specific climatic and soil conditions. The conditions are listed below.

Climatic Conditions 

Warm and dry conditions are ideal for its growth. It is a drought-tolerant crop that only needs 40 to 60 millimetres of annual rainfall. Temperature required for bajra is around 20°C to 30°C for its growth. Moist weather is beneficial for its vegetative growth. In northern India, Bajra is cultivated as a Kharif crop, while it is planted as a summer crop with irrigation in southern India. 

Soil Conditions 

Several soils can support the growth of pearl millet. It does not thrive on grounds that are prone to flooding. The field should be ploughed once or twice to achieve fine tilth and then harrowed (farm implement used for surface tillage). The Bajra crop is cultivated on a range of soils. It thrives in sandy loam soil with good drainage and black cotton soil. It is not advisable to have soil that is acidic and waterlogged. Avoid using saturated soil when cultivating it. When the pH of the soil is low, the crop thrives. It is delicate to acidic soil.

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List of Major Bajra Producing States in India

The list of top 10 major Bajra crop-producing states in India are listed below.

List of Top 10 Major Bajra Producing States in India
SNo.	State
1	Rajasthan
2	Uttar Pradesh
3	Haryana
4	Gujarat
5	Madhya Pradesh
6	Maharashtra
7	Karnataka
8	Tamil Nadu
9	Andhra Pradesh
10	Telangana

Importance of Bajra Crop 

The importance of the Bajra crop is discussed below.

Food Security

Bajra is a staple food crop for millions o people in India, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where crops may not grow well. 

Livelihoods

Bajra cultivation provides livelihood opportunities in the Agriculture sector. 

Health Benefits

The Bajra crop is a rich source of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates and is used in India for making traditional dishes such as chapati.

Environment & Climate Change

Bajra crops are best known for their climate-resilient characteristics, which include adaptability to various ecological conditions, reduced irrigation needs, improved growth and productivity under conditions of low nutrient input, reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers, and minimal vulnerability to environmental stresses.

Also, check out the article on the Difference between Kharif and Rabi crops with the linked article!

Bajra Physiology

Bajras are usually annual plants, ranging in height from 30 to 130 cm (1 to 4 feet), except for pearl bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), which can grow up to 1.5 to 3 meters (5 to 10 feet) tall with 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick stalks. The inflorescences of bajras can take the form of spikes with flowers evenly spaced along an extended axis or panicles with densely packed clusters of small florets. With the exception of pearl bajra, the seeds remain enclosed in hulls even after threshing. Hulled seeds of bajra are usually creamy white in colour.

Bajra Economy

Bajra holds a significant position in traditional cuisines worldwide and is a vital food source in arid and semiarid regions. In western India, it has been extensively used for centuries to make the regional staple, hand-rolled flatbread known as roti. This cereal grain is commonly consumed as a staple, particularly in rural areas and among those facing poverty. Bajra consumption varies across different regions, with Western Africa showing the highest consumption levels. However, between the 1970s and the 2000s, as developing nations like India experienced rapid economic growth and increased per capita income, bajra consumption declined in urban and rural areas.

Top 10 Bajra Producing Countries

• India
• Niger
• China
• Mali
• Nigeria
• Ethiopia
• Senegal
• Burkina Faso
• Chad
• Sudan

Indian Bajra Growing Zones

Indian Bajra Growing Zones are listed in the table below.

Region Name	States or Regions Covered
Southern Region	Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
	Bajra is grown in the dry hills or plateau region
Northern Region	Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
	Low winter temperature; single crop of bajra is grown
Western Region	Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh
	Rajasthan contributes to over 80% of total Bajra production in India

Bajra as a Food

• Bhakri flatbread is commonly made from pearl millet.
• Pearl millet is used to prepare the Tamil dish known as kanban chorus or "kanban koozh."
• Bajre ki khatti rabdi, a traditional Rajasthani dish, is made with yoghurt and pearl millet flour.
• Pearl millet, locally known as Sajje in Karnataka, is primarily grown in the semi-arid regions of North Karnataka.
• Sajje is ground to make flatbread, which is served with yoghurt and stuffed brinjal.
• Pearl millet, known as kombu in Tamil, is a staple food in Tamil Nadu and is enjoyed during the hot summer months.
• In northern Indian states, pearl millet is known as bajra.
• Bajra and Jowar were once the main food crops in these states but are now primarily used as cattle fodder crops due to the Green Revolution in the 1960s.

Health Effects of Bajra

• Bajra and other millets have excellent nutritional qualities, being rich in fibre, carbohydrates, and protein when cooked.
• Millets are a good source of minerals and vitamins, making them a healthy carbohydrate option.
• Bajra is gluten-free, suitable for those with celiac disease or following a gluten-free diet.
• Bajra contains beneficial phytochemicals, polyphenols, and antioxidants that can improve human health in various ways.
• However, polyphenols in bajra may hinder the complete absorption of elements like iron and zinc.
• Regular consumption of bajra can have positive health effects, including weight loss, better diabetic control, and improved nutrient intake for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
• High-fibre foods, such as bajra, have been associated with improved outcomes in managing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.
• Millet has a lower glycemic index than refined grain products like white rice and white bread.
• Based on recent studies in humans and animals, millet proteins have shown potential to lower blood sugar levels.
• Whole grains like bajra, due to their fibre content, help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin utilization.
• A diet rich in whole grains like bajra can lower triglyceride levels, blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol.
• Magnesium, found in bajra and other foods, is essential for cell function, protein synthesis, and energy production.
• Magnesium deficiency can cause fatigue, and magnesium-rich foods like bajra can increase energy levels.

Initiatives to Promote Bajra

The government has various nationally and internationally planned programmes to promote millet and other Nutri-cereals. Additionally, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), all Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and the State Governments will promote the nutri-cereals. 

• The Indian government had proposed to the UN to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYoM) at the suggestion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) named 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYOM) in March 2021 after receiving support from 72 nations.
• The government approved the "Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industry" on March 31, 2021, as part of the Prime Minister's announcement of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, to be implemented over a seven-year period from 2021–2022 to 2026–2027. 
  • This program's main goals include promoting the development of world-class food manufacturers and promoting Indian food product brands in foreign markets. High-growth potential food product groups have been selected and will receive support under the programme.
• The National Year of Millets was observed in 2018 to increase demand on a national and international level as well as to give people healthy nourishment.
  •  Due to the millets' high nutritional value, the government declared them nutri-cereals in April 2018, and Bajra crops were added to the POSHAN Mission Abhiyan. 
• In the millet value chain, around 500 startups are active, and the Indian Institute on Millet Research has incubated 250 startups through Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY Scheme). 

Diseases to which Bajra is Prone

Some of the major diseases to which Bajra is prone are listed below.

• Downy Mildew is a fungal disease that invades plants such as millet. Downy mildew refers to a collection of water moulds. It can also be spread from plant to plant by airborne spores.
• Rust: It is a kind of fungal disease that invades the Bajra crop. Many grass weeds grow fungi that cause rust. These weeds aid in the disease's spread among pearl millet fields. Therefore effective weed management practices aid in reducing pearl millet rust disease.
• Smut is a fungal disease that invades millet or Bajra crop species and is responsible for severe economic causes in the agriculture industry.
• Ergot: Ergot is a plant disease caused by some fungus variety and is responsible for spoiling cereal, grains, and millets such as pearl millet (Bajra crop).
• Blast: They are fungal spots on plant species and can degrade the quality of plant species.

Challenges Associated with Growing Bajra Crop 

Bajra Crop is a hard and resilient crop; however, despite this, it can still present some challenges:

• High Price Volatility and a High Cost of Labour are the two main marketing obstacles for pearl millet. These issues affected 100% of farmers. 
• Susceptibility To Pests and Fungal Diseases: Bajra crops can be attacked by various fungal diseases such as smut, rust and downy mildew. This can, in turn, reduce crop yields and negatively affect the economy.
• Low Nutrient Use Efficiency: Bajra crop requires large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to grow and produce high Bajra yields. Therefore, farmers should manage their fertilisation practices to ensure the crop receives adequate nutrition throughout the growing season.
• Miscellaneous Challenges: Lack of storage facilities, high transportation costs, middlemen's fraud, a lack of market knowledge, and delays in receiving payments in cash. 

Study in detail about Precipitation & Distribution of Rainfall for UPSC preparation!

Way Forward

• The research claims that the Gramin Bhandaran Yojana needs to construct more local storage facilities. Market fraud should also be investigated to ensure farmers get a fair bargain. Throughout the post-harvest period, farmers should have access to discounted transportation services.
• The government also took the initiative to set up a reliable system for market intelligence so that farmers could sell their goods in markets with favourable prices.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has been promoting research on the connections between crop diversity and dietary diversity, building up nutri-gardens, and undertaking a behaviour change campaign to encourage consumer demand for nutri-cereals.

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