Looking for high yield drought tolerant pearl millet variety for Barmer rainfed conditions with low rainfall.
Which bajra (pearl millet) variety is best for Rajasthan dryland sowing?
BBhanwar1yr ago · 476 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓1yr ago
For low rainfall dryland zones of western Rajasthan, choose early maturing downy mildew resistant hybrids and composites suited to your zone. Popular options recommended for arid Rajasthan include HHB 67 Improved (very early, escapes terminal drought), RHB 173, RHB 177, and composite Raj 171. HHB 67 Improved matures in about 65 to 70 days, which lets the crop finish before late season moisture stress. Always pick certified seed of a variety notified for your district and confirm the current recommendation with your KVK or the agriculture department, as zone wise notifications get updated. Seed rate is roughly 3.5 to 4 kg per acre for line sowing. Treat seed against downy mildew before sowing.
MMangilal1yr ago
In Barmer I have grown HHB 67 Improved for three seasons. It is very early and saves the crop when monsoon withdraws fast. Even in a poor year I got a fair grain harvest plus good fodder. For very sandy soil it works better than long duration types.
SSuresh1yr ago
My neighbour uses RHB 173 and gets bigger earheads in a normal rain year, but it needs a bit more moisture. If you are deep in the desert belt go for the early HHB type, if you have slightly better rain try RHB types.
GGovind Ram1yr ago
One caution from my side, do not chase the highest yielding hybrid if your rainfall is very uncertain. A long duration variety that fails halfway leaves you with nothing, while an early one at least gives grain and fodder. Match the duration to your rain first, yield second.
DDharampal1yr ago
In Haryana side near Bhiwani we grow HHB 67 Improved too and it does well in light soils. Buy seed only from a certified dealer with the lot tag, I once got cheap loose seed and germination was poor. The tag also helps if there is any complaint later.