Pearl millet (bajra), sorghum (jowar), finger millet (ragi) and small millets — hardy, nutritious crops suited to drier areas and lower-input farming.
Sorghum (Jowar)
Known as jowar or cholam in different regions, sorghum is grown for grain, fodder and some industrial uses. Planning includes crop purpose, variety duration, moisture stress, weed control and grain or fodder harvest stage.
Sorghum bicolorPearl Millet (Bajra)
A hardy millet frequently used in hot, dry environments and also valued as fodder. Key decisions include rainfall fit, sowing window, plant stand, nutrient availability and timely weed management.
Cenchrus americanus (syn. Pennisetum glaucum)Finger Millet (Ragi / Mandua)
A small-grained cereal used as food and valued for its nutritional qualities. Crop planning considers climate and soil fit, establishment, nutrient supply, moisture and local maturity duration.
Eleusine coracanaFoxtail Millet (Kangni)
A short-duration small millet in suitable production zones. Planning should match crop duration to rainfall or irrigation, establish a uniform stand, and control early weeds.
Setaria italicaLittle Millet (Kutki)
A small millet grown in selected dryland systems. Variety and sowing recommendations depend on local ecology, moisture availability and intended use.
Panicum sumatrenseKodo Millet (Kodon)
A small millet associated with dryland production in parts of India. Advice should focus on locally adapted seed, establishment, weeds, moisture and harvest maturity.
Paspalum scrobiculatumBarnyard Millet (Sanwa / Jhangora)
A quick-growing small millet cultivated in selected regions. Its crop plan depends on local variety, season length, drainage, moisture and grain maturity.
Echinochloa frumentacea / E. esculentaProso Millet (Cheena)
A short-duration small grain crop. Sowing date, variety duration, stand establishment and harvest timing should be chosen to suit local weather and field conditions.
Panicum miliaceumUseful technical references: PAU Ludhiana — Package of Practices · CCS HAU Hisar · ICAR · ICRISAT dryland crop research.