Ragi (Finger Millet) Package of Practices: Complete Cultivation Guide for Farmers

1. Introduction

Ragi, also known as Finger Millet, is one of the most important nutri-cereals cultivated in India. Traditionally grown in rainfed and dryland areas, ragi has gained renewed importance due to its high nutritional value, climate resilience, and increasing market demand. Today, ragi cultivation is emerging as a profitable and sustainable farming option for small and marginal farmers.

Importance of Ragi Cultivation in India

India is the world’s largest producer of ragi, with major cultivation in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand. Farmers prefer ragi because:

• It performs well under low rainfall conditions
• Requires minimum inputs
• Suitable for dryland agriculture
• Highly tolerant to drought and poor soils
• Provides stable yields compared to other cereals

Ragi farming plays an important role in ensuring food and nutritional security in semi-arid regions.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Ragi is often called a “super millet” due to its exceptional nutritional composition.

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly choosing ragi products such as flour, biscuits, malt, and ready-to-eat foods.

Increasing Demand and Market Potential

With government promotion under millet missions and rising awareness about healthy diets, demand for ragi is growing rapidly in urban markets. Value-added products offer farmers and agripreneurs better income opportunities.

2. Climate and Soil Requirements

Suitable Climate Conditions

Ragi grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and is highly adaptable to adverse weather conditions.

• Best suited for rainfed regions
• Can tolerate drought better than rice and wheat
• Suitable up to 2,300 m altitude

Temperature Requirements

• Optimum temperature: 20°C – 30°C
• Germination temperature: 18–27°C

Rainfall Requirements

• Ideal rainfall: 500–1000 mm annually
• Well distributed rainfall ensures good crop growth.

Ideal Soil Types and pH

Ragi can grow in various soils but performs best in:

• Red loamy soils
• Sandy loam soils
• Well-drained black soils

Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Avoid waterlogged conditions.

3. Improved Varieties of Ragi

Selection of suitable varieties increases productivity and disease resistance.

Farmers should select varieties based on local climate and rainfall.

4. Land Preparation

Proper land preparation ensures good germination and root development.

Field Preparation Steps

1. One deep ploughing using mouldboard plough.
2. 2–3 harrowings to make fine tilth.
3. Remove weeds and crop residues.
4. Level the field for uniform irrigation.

Important Practices

• Create drainage channels in heavy soils.
• Incorporate organic manure during final ploughing.

5. Seed Rate and Seed Treatment

Recommended Seed Rate

Seed Treatment

Seed treatment improves germination and protects seedlings from diseases.

Biofertilizer Treatment

• Treat seeds with Azospirillum or PSB @ 25 g/kg seed.

Fungicide Treatment

• Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kg seed (if disease history exists).

Steps:

1. Treat with fungicide first.
2. Dry in shade.
3. Apply biofertilizers before sowing.

6. Sowing Time and Method

Season-wise Sowing

Sowing Methods

Line Sowing (Recommended)

• Better plant population
• Easy weeding and fertilizer application
• Higher yield

Broadcasting

• Suitable for rainfed areas but less efficient.

Spacing

• Row spacing: 22–30 cm
• Plant spacing: 8–10 cm

7. Nutrient Management

Balanced nutrition improves yield and grain quality.

Organic Manure Application

• Farmyard manure (FYM): 2–4 tons/acre
• Apply during land preparation.

Recommended Fertilizer Dose

Application Schedule

• Basal: Full P & K + half Nitrogen
• Top dressing: Remaining Nitrogen at 30 days after sowing.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

Combine:

• Organic manure
• Biofertilizers
• Chemical fertilizers

Benefits:

• Improves soil fertility
• Reduces fertilizer cost
• Enhances sustainability

8. Irrigation Management

Ragi is mostly rainfed but responds well to irrigation.

Critical Irrigation Stages

• Tillering stage
• Flowering stage
• Grain filling stage

Water-Saving Practices

• Mulching
• Rainwater harvesting
• Farm ponds
• Proper field leveling

Avoid excess irrigation to prevent lodging.

9. Weed Management

Weeds compete heavily during early growth.

Critical Weed-Free Period

First 30–40 days after sowing.

Mechanical Control

• Hand weeding at 20 and 35 DAS.
• Wheel hoe or cono weeder in line sowing.

Chemical Control

• Pre-emergence: Pendimethalin @ recommended dose after sowing.

Integrated weed management gives best results.

10. Pest and Disease Management

Major Pests

Major Diseases

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Use resistant varieties
• Crop rotation
• Neem-based biopesticides
• Balanced fertilization
• Regular field monitoring

11. Intercultural Operations

Proper intercultural practices improve crop stand.

• Thinning: Maintain proper spacing after germination.
• Gap filling: Replace missing plants within 10–12 days.
• Earthing up: Strengthens plants and prevents lodging.

12. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Management

Maturity Indicators

• Ear heads turn brown.
• Grains become hard.
• Leaves start drying.

Harvesting Method

• Cut ear heads or entire plants using sickle.
• Dry for 3–4 days before threshing.

Drying and Storage

• Dry grains to 12% moisture.
• Store in clean, dry containers.
• Use neem leaves for storage pest control.

13. Yield and Economics

Average Yield

Cost-Benefit Overview

• Low input cost compared to rice or maize.
• Stable returns even in drought years.
• Additional income from straw as fodder.

Ragi farming offers good profitability with minimal risk.

14. Advantages of Ragi Cultivation

Climate Resilience

• Drought tolerant crop
• Performs under climate variability

Low Input Requirement

• Requires less fertilizer and water
• Suitable for organic farming

Nutritional Security

• Supports millet-based healthy diets

Suitable for Small Farmers

• Low investment
• Reliable yields

15. Conclusion: Future Scope of Ragi Cultivation

Ragi cultivation represents the future of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture in India. With increasing awareness about healthy foods, government millet promotion programs, and growing demand for millet-based products, finger millet farming offers excellent opportunities for farmers and agripreneurs.

Adopting the recommended ragi package of practices — including improved varieties, integrated nutrient management, efficient weed control, and IPM strategies — can significantly enhance productivity and profitability.

As agriculture moves toward sustainability, millet farming in India, especially ragi cultivation, will play a vital role in ensuring food security, farmer income stability, and environmental conservation.