Pearl millet, Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides)

Local names: Hindi: Bajara Telugu: Sajja Tamil: Cumbu Kannada: Sajje Marathi: Bajri

Pearl  millet   is  the  fourth   most  important   grain crop next to rice, wheat and sorghum. The crop is cultivated for grain as well as fodder in the semi arid tropical regions of Africa and Asia including India. It is quick growing,  disease resistant, high tillering fodder  crop,  suitable for  sowing  in  arid and semi arid regions. It can be sown early in spring under irrigated conditions and in kharif under rainfed condition. It is not suitable in high rainfall areas. It does well even on light  soils. It is sown alone or in mixture with guar or cowpea. Its cultivation and other particulars are like sorghum

Nutritive value

A1/3 and new hybrid varieties are good for fodder as well as for grain production. Fresh and mature pearl millet contains 7-10% crude protein and 36% crude fibre.

Varieties

Giant Bajara, APFB-2, Rajco, HB 3, 4, 5 are grain hybrids suitable for fodder production.