Minor millets are nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crops that play an important role in the food and nutritional security of developing world. Globally, millets are mostly produced and consumed by the developing world. India remains the world’s largest producer of millet, with over 37% of global production. The last 5-year mean data of millets in India revealed that, out of total millet growing area (~129 lakh ha), only 12.1% area (15.7 lakh ha) belongs to minor millets. Similarly, out of total millet production (167.9 lakh tons), minor millets are contributing only 12.4% (20.8 lakh tons). Other than area expansion, the productivity of minor millets is still very low compared to major crops, mainly due to poor emphasis on research and the adoption of improved agro-technologies. These crops are mainly grown by resource-poor farmers on marginal land with poor management. Minor millets are grassy in nature; the initial slow growth, the resemblance of seedlings with weeds, and the lack of availability of selective herbicides make them more susceptible to weed infestation. The weeds that cause yield reduction can reach up to 75% in minor millets. Similarly, poor nutrient management and monocropping in minor millets are responsible for yield reduction and soil health degradation. So, apart from the varietal improvement, market and value chain development. Agronomic interventions such as good crop husbandry, nutrient management, weed management, mechanization, and postharvest management are the utmost needed for enhancing the productivity of minor millets. This chapter explores crucial agronomic practices essential for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of minor millets. Key areas addressed include sowing methods, crop diversification, integrated nutrient management, effective weed control measures, mechanization options, and postharvest management techniques. These interventions are pivotal not only for boosting yields but also for improving soil health and promoting the sustainable cultivation of minor millets.

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Agronomic and Cultivation Practices in Minor Millets

  • Rajendra Prasad Meena,
  • Mahendar S. Bhinda,
  • Kamal Garg,
  • Arjun Singh,
  • Dinesh Chandra Joshi

摘要

Minor millets are nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crops that play an important role in the food and nutritional security of developing world. Globally, millets are mostly produced and consumed by the developing world. India remains the world’s largest producer of millet, with over 37% of global production. The last 5-year mean data of millets in India revealed that, out of total millet growing area (~129 lakh ha), only 12.1% area (15.7 lakh ha) belongs to minor millets. Similarly, out of total millet production (167.9 lakh tons), minor millets are contributing only 12.4% (20.8 lakh tons). Other than area expansion, the productivity of minor millets is still very low compared to major crops, mainly due to poor emphasis on research and the adoption of improved agro-technologies. These crops are mainly grown by resource-poor farmers on marginal land with poor management. Minor millets are grassy in nature; the initial slow growth, the resemblance of seedlings with weeds, and the lack of availability of selective herbicides make them more susceptible to weed infestation. The weeds that cause yield reduction can reach up to 75% in minor millets. Similarly, poor nutrient management and monocropping in minor millets are responsible for yield reduction and soil health degradation. So, apart from the varietal improvement, market and value chain development. Agronomic interventions such as good crop husbandry, nutrient management, weed management, mechanization, and postharvest management are the utmost needed for enhancing the productivity of minor millets. This chapter explores crucial agronomic practices essential for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of minor millets. Key areas addressed include sowing methods, crop diversification, integrated nutrient management, effective weed control measures, mechanization options, and postharvest management techniques. These interventions are pivotal not only for boosting yields but also for improving soil health and promoting the sustainable cultivation of minor millets.