Planning rajgira on a small area. What is the realistic grain yield and the price it sells at?
3 Answers
Rajgira grain yields are modest, commonly in the range of about 4 to 8 quintal per acre depending on variety, climate and management, with good management and suitable conditions needed for the higher end. There is no MSP. The price has a wide range and depends on quality, colour and whether you sell raw grain or the popped product. Raw grain sells to traders who supply the fasting food and puffing trade, while the higher value is in popped rajgira, laddoo and flour. Demand is steady because of the religious fasting market but it is not a huge volume crop. Get your district price from local traders and growers, and remember the value addition price is captured by whoever pops and packs the grain, not always the raw grain seller.
Fasting season demand is what carries rajgira. I sell raw to the laddoo and puff makers. The popped product earns more but that is their business.
Yield was on the lower side for me until I learned to thin the crop properly. Too thick a stand gave thin heads.