Bajra / Bajari (Pearl Millet) is an important coarse grain crop and considered to be the poor man’s staple nourishment. It is believed to be the native of Africa, from where it spread to India and other countries. It is one of the important crops of South Eastern Asia, China, India, Pakistan, Arabia, Sudan, Russia and Nigeria. In India, it is grown in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Bajra grains form a staple diet of about 10% population in the country and valuable fodder for cattle.
Bajra crop survives under adverse climatic conditions. It is well adapted to growing areas characterized by drought, low soil fertility, and high temperature. It is grown in low rainfall regions, with annual rainfall ranging from 50-70 centimeters. It is a drought tolerant crop and is suitable for dry farming situations. Moist weather is conducive to growth during its early vegetative period. A temperature range of 20-30°C is best for its growth. It performs well in soils with high salinity or low pH. Because of its tolerance to difficult growing conditions, it can be grown in areas where other cereal crops, such as maize or wheat, would not survive.
