Bajra (Pearl Millet)

Botanical Name: Pennisetum glaucum (syn. Pennisetum americanum)
Chromosome Number (2n): 14
Origin: Africa (Sahel region)
Pollination: Cross-pollinated (Protogynous → stigma emerges before anthers, encouraging cross-pollination)
Grain Type: Caryopsis
Nickname: “Poor man’s food grain” / “Candle millet” / “Dark millet” / “Spiked millet”
Protein Content: 10–12%
Inflorescence: Compact spike-like panicle
Special Feature: Highest drought tolerance among cereals & millets
Research Centre: AICRP on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur
Root System: Prop/brace roots from 2nd & 3rd nodes (for anchorage & drought resistance)

Nutritional Value

• Rich in: Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), fiber, protein, and antioxidants
• Highest mineral content (2.7%) among cereals
• Gluten-free → suitable for celiac patients
• Low glycemic index → good for diabetics
• Used for roti, porridge, flour, snacks, green fodder, silage, and green manure

Climate Requirement

• Type: Hot and dry climate crop; thrives in arid & semi-arid regions
• Optimum temperature: 28–32°C
• Rainfall requirement: 350–600 mm (drought-hardy, low water requirement but sensitive to waterlogging)

Soil Requirement

• Soils: Sandy loam to loam, well-drained
• Tolerates acidic and saline-alkaline soils (pH 6.0–8.5)

Major Bajra Growing States (India)

• Rajasthan (1st in area & production)
• Maharashtra
• Gujarat
• Uttar Pradesh
• Haryana

(India is the largest producer, contributing ~40% of global area)

Seed & Sowing

• Direct sowing: 4–5 kg/ha
• Transplanting: 2 kg/ha
• Row spacing: 45 cm (grain) | 30 cm (fodder)
• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Season: Kharif (June–Sept), also Summer (Feb–Mar, irrigated)

Varieties & Hybrids

• First Male Sterile Line: Tift 23-A1
• First Hybrid: HB-1 (1965, PAU Ludhiana) → Tift 23-A × BIL-3B
• Popular Hybrid: PHB-10 (1975, PAU Ludhiana)
• Biofortified Variety: ICTP 8203 (high iron & zinc)
• Other hybrids: GHB-558, HHB-67 (improved)
• Fodder Variety: Pusa Napier-1 (1947, inter-specific cross Pennisetum purpureum × P. glaucum)

Fertilizer Requirement

• Rainfed conditions: 60:30:20 NPK kg/ha
• Apply ½ N as basal + remaining at 25–30 DAS
• Irrigated crop: 100:50:40 NPK kg/ha (higher input responsive)
• Bajra is Nitro-positive → responds well to nitrogen

Forage & Fodder Use

• Excellent for fodder & silage
• Multicut types available (e.g., Giant Bajra, CO (Cu) 9)
• Fodder yield: 400–500 q/ha green matter
• Grain yield: 20–25 q/ha (hybrids up to 35 q/ha)

Diseases & Pests

• Major Diseases:
  • Downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) – most serious
  • Smut
  • Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis) – produces toxic alkaloids
  • Rust, blast
• Major Pests: Shoot fly, stem borer
• Management: Resistant varieties (HHB-67 imp., ICTP 8203), seed treatment, fungicide sprays

Weed Management

• Problematic Weed: Striga spp. (witch weed – root parasite, also in Sorghum)
• Pre-emergence herbicide: Atrazine @ 0.5 kg/ha
• Manual weeding: 20–25 DAS

Harvesting & Yield

• Grain crop: Harvest at physiological maturity (~20% moisture)
• Fodder crop: First cut at 50% flowering; subsequent cuts every 35–40 days (multicut types)
• Yield:
  • Grain → 20–25 q/ha
  • Green fodder → 400–500 q/ha

Storage

• Dry grains to <12% moisture
• Store in cool, dry godowns; neem leaves or ash used to protect from storage pests