Top 5 Improved Millet Varieties for High Yield at Low Cost

Key Highlights

• Pusa Composite 701: 23.5-41.2 quintals/ha, ready in 80 days, disease-resistant.
• MPMH-17: 26-28 quintals/ha, 80 days, drought-resistant.
• HHB 67-2: 22-25 quintals/ha, 62-65 days, adaptable sowing.
• RHB-177: 16-25 quintals/ha, 74 days, drought-tolerant.
• HHB 299: 15.8 quintals/acre, 80 days, high iron content.

Farmers can look forward to a fruitful Kharif season in 2024 with these top 5 improved millet varieties. These varieties promise good yields at low costs, making them ideal for various climatic conditions across India.

Millet Cultivation in India

Millet, a nutrient-rich coarse grain, is predominantly grown in Rajasthan. Other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir also cultivate millet. The government is encouraging millet cultivation due to its low water requirement and high tolerance to heat, making it suitable for areas where paddy and maize cannot be grown during the Kharif season. Millet is generally sown from July to September and in South India from October to November for the Rabi season.

Characteristics and Yield Period of Improved Varieties

Farmers can achieve better yields by choosing improved varieties. Here are the top 5 improved millet varieties:

1. Pusa Composite 701

• Characteristics: Resistant to soft-hairy and Asita diseases.

• Yield: 23.5 to 41.2 quintals per hectare.

• Harvest Period: Ready in 80 days.

• Regions: Suitable for Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.

2. MPMH-17

• Characteristics: Drought-resistant, yellow-brown spherical grains.

• Yield: 26 to 28 quintals per hectare.

• Harvest Period: Ready in 80 days.

• Regions: Best for drought-prone areas in western Rajasthan.

3. HHB 67-2

• Characteristics: Suitable for early and late sowing.

• Yield: 22 to 25 quintals per hectare.

• Harvest Period: Ready in 62-65 days.

• Regions: Various regions as it is adaptable to different sowing times.

4. RHB-177

• Characteristics: Resistant to Jogia disease, drought-tolerant, light brown spherical grains.

• Yield: 16 to 25 quintals per hectare for grains and 42-43 quintals per hectare for dry fodder.

• Harvest Period: Ready in 74 days.

• Regions: Ideal for dry climate areas.

5. HHB 299

• Characteristics: High iron content (73 ppm), biofortified.

• Yield: 15.8 quintals per acre for grains and 40-42 quintals per acre for dry fodder.

• Harvest Period: Ready in 80 days.

• Regions: Developed by Haryana Agricultural University, suitable for various regions.

Sowing Time and Agricultural Advice

The best time for sowing millet is the first fortnight of July. Farmers with irrigation facilities can start sowing from June 15, while those dependent on rain should sow after the first or second rain. Agricultural experts recommend sowing millet after pre-monsoon rains to avoid issues caused by continuous monsoon rains.

Also Read: Modi Government's Big Decision: Wheat Prices Will Stay Stable

CMV360 Says

Farmers can achieve better yields by choosing from these top 5 improved millet varieties. For successful cultivation, it's important to get local agricultural advice tailored to specific regions and conditions. By doing so, millet farming can become more efficient and productive, ensuring good returns with minimal investment.