jowar sorghum grain mould rabi rain at maturity discoloured grain price
4 Answers
Grain mould discolours and weakens jowar grain when rain and humidity hit during grain filling and maturity, lowering both food quality and price, and it is a bigger problem in rainy spells. Reduce it by growing mould tolerant varieties with the right maturity so the crop ripens after the wet period, avoiding very late or off-season flowering into rains, and harvesting promptly once mature rather than leaving heads exposed to dew and rain. After harvest, thresh and dry the grain quickly to a safe low moisture so mould does not develop in storage. White-grained food types are more affected in appearance, so for rabi maldandi jowar that fetches a premium for bold white grain, timely harvest and good drying are key. Confirm tolerant variety choice with your local KVK.
My white maldandi lost its shine the year rain came at maturity. Harvesting on time and drying fast saved the grade after that.
In Karnataka I picked a variety that matures a bit earlier so the heads are ready before our late showers usually come. Dodging the rain window with the right maturity did more for grain colour than anything after harvest.
One caution: do not heap the harvested heads under cover thinking they are safe, they sweat and mould. I thresh quickly and spread the grain thin in the sun the same week, and the bold white grade held its price.