Turkey Bajra Seeds

🌾 Introduction to Turkey Bajra

Turkey Bajra, a high-yielding and drought-resistant variety of pearl millet, is widely grown in arid and semi-arid regions. It is known for its robust growth, short maturity duration, and resilience to harsh climates, making it ideal for rain-fed as well as irrigated conditions. This guide provides step-by-step cultivation practices to help farmers maximize yield, manage risks, and achieve profitability.

Pre-Sowing Preparation

🗓 Optimal Sowing Time

• Kharif (Rainy Season): Mid-June to Mid-July

• Summer Crop (with irrigation): Mid-February to Mid-March

📍 Suitable Agro-Climatic Zones

• Grows well in semi-arid to arid zones with annual rainfall between 300–600 mm.

• Tolerates high temperatures (up to 45°C) and poor soils.

🌱 Soil Requirements

• Type: Well-drained sandy loam to loamy soils.

• pH: 6.0 to 8.5

• Avoid waterlogged and saline soils.

🚜 Field Preparation

1. Deep Ploughing (30 cm depth) in summer to expose pests and weeds.

2. Follow with 2–3 cross harrowings to create a fine tilth.

3. Level the field to avoid water stagnation.

4. Incorporate 5–10 tons/acre of well-decomposed FYM (Farm Yard Manure) at least 2–3 weeks before sowing.

Seed Selection and Treatment

✔ Recommended Variety: Turkey Bajra

• Short duration: 75–85 days

• Suitable for rain-fed and irrigated conditions

• Good grain and fodder yield

🌾 Seed Rate

• 4–5 kg/acre (rainfed)

• 2–3 kg/acre (irrigated)

💧 Seed Treatment

• Fungicide: Treat seeds with Thiram or Carbendazim @ 2g/kg of seed.

• Biofertilizers: Inoculate with Azospirillum and PSB for better nitrogen fixation and phosphorus uptake.

• Dry treated seeds in shade for 30 minutes before sowing.

 Sowing Practices

🚜 Method of Sowing

• Line sowing using seed drill or behind plough.

• Row spacing: 45 cm

• Plant spacing: 10–12 cm

• Sowing depth: 2–3 cm

🌦 Irrigation Schedule (If Irrigated)

Note: In rain-fed conditions, ensure sowing is done immediately after the first effective rainfall (minimum 50 mm).

 Weed Management

🌿 Critical Period

• 15 to 35 days after sowing

🧴 Weed Control Options

1. Pre-emergence Herbicide: Atrazine @ 400 g/acre in 200 liters water within 1 day of sowing.

2. Manual Weeding: 2 hand weedings at 20 and 35 DAS if herbicide not used.

 Pest and Disease Management

🐛 Common Pests

🌱 Common Diseases

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

⛏ When to Harvest

• Harvest when grains harden and turn yellowish-grey.

• Test grain moisture content (~15%).

• Avoid delays to prevent shattering losses.

🌾 Harvesting Method

• Cut the earheads manually or mechanically.

• Dry in sun for 3–5 days.

• Thresh using mechanical thresher or traditional beating method.

📦 Storage

• Ensure moisture is reduced to <12%.

• Store in airtight containers or bags in dry, ventilated godowns.

🔁 Risk Management and Best Practices

• Use certified seeds from reputed sources.

• Time sowing with monsoon onset for rainfed areas.

• Rotate crops with legumes to maintain soil fertility.

• Monitor field regularly for pest/disease early detection.

• Avoid over-irrigation—Bajra is drought-tolerant, not water-loving.

🧠 Final Farmer Tips

• Maintain low plant population for better earhead development.

• Use light irrigation at grain filling stage for enhanced yield.

• Plan marketing ahead—collective selling via FPOs can ensure better prices.

• Consider crop insurance schemes like PMFBY for risk protection.