Finger millet transplanting method nursery age row spacing for higher yield rainfed.
3 Answers
Transplanted ragi often out yields broadcast or line sown ragi where water and labour allow. Raise a nursery and transplant seedlings at about 21 to 28 days old. Plant at roughly 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants, putting two to three seedlings per hill. Transplanting gives uniform stand, easier weeding and better tillering. For seed, about 2 kg per acre is enough for the nursery to plant one acre, much less than broadcasting. Keep the field moist at transplanting and during establishment. Where labour is short, line sowing with a seed drill is the practical alternative. Confirm spacing for your variety with your KVK.
In Mandya we transplant ragi like paddy when there is enough moisture. Yield is clearly higher than the broadcast plots and weeding is much easier in the rows.
Transplanting needs labour and water, so in a dry year I just line sow with a drill. Both work, but transplanting wins on yield when conditions are right.