Finger Millet Crop Research Articles

Time Series Modeling and Forecasting of Finger Millet Cultivation Area, Production and Productivity in Chhattisgarh, India: The Box Jenkins Methodology

Chhattisgarh has taken important steps towards promoting millets cultivation and improving the livelihood of farmers. To increase millets production in Chhattisgarh, the state government launched the Millet Mission in September 2021. This mission has been started with a view to make Chhattisgarh the ‘millet hub of India’. The present study was conducted on time series modelling and forecasting of finger millet crops in Chhattisgarh India using Box Jenkins methodology and used historical data on currently cultivated area, production and yield of finger millet crops. The time series data was collected from 2001 to 2023, and analysis of the study was carried out using path analysis and Box Jenkins ARIMA model; and among various 20 models the best and suitable ARIMA (0, 1, 2), (3, 1, 1) and (2, 0, 4) model was selected based on AIC, BIC, MAPE, RMSE, MAE. With the help of the selected appropriate model, the cultivation area, production and yield of finger millet cultivation in Chhattisgarh was forecasted for the year 2024 to 2030. But marvellous, diminishing and fluctuating trend was observed in finger millet cultivation area and production over the forecast period. Whereas increasing and stochastic trend was observed in finger millet yield over the forecast period.

Characterization of finger millet extracts and evaluation of their nematicidal efficacy and plant growth promotion potential.

Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to finger millet crops, potentially causing yield reduction of up to 70%. Extracts derived from finger millet varieties contain potent bioactive compounds that can mitigate nematode damage and promote plant growth. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds from the finger millet varieties Ikhulule, Okhale-1, and U-15; evaluating the impact of Ikhulule and U-15 extracts on the mortality of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus vandenbergae; assessing the growth promotion effects of Ikhulule and U-15 extracts on the finger millet variety Okhale-1; and determining the efficacy of these extracts in managing plant-parasitic nematodes under greenhouse conditions. Extracts were obtained from both leaves and roots and tested invitro for nematode mortality and invivo for growth promotion and nematode control. The results showed that finger millet extracts exhibited strong nematicidal properties invitro, achieving a mortality rate of up to 98% against P. vandenbergae nematodes. Applying these extracts to finger millet shoots significantly reduced nematode populations in both soil and roots and decreased the reproductive factor to below one (1), indicating an effective nematode control. The study attributes the enhanced nematicidal effects of finger millet extracts to their bioactive compounds, particularly dodecanoic acid, phytol, 1,1,4a-trimethyl-6-decahydro naphthalene, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and ethyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid. These findings suggest that finger millet-derived extracts offer a natural solution for nematode management and broader agronomic benefits, ultimately contributing to overall plant health and productivity.

Emerging threat to Indian agriculture: Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex as a novel pathogen imperiling bajra, cowpea, finger millet, green gram, moth bean, and soybean crops

India, renowned for its diverse agro-climatic regions and agricultural legacy, relies on staple crops for sustenance. Cereals and Legumes, crucial to Indian agriculture and diet, contribute significantly to food security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. Between August and October 2023, symptoms of grain/pod rot were observed in bajra, finger millet, cowpea, moth bean, green gram, and soybean crops in Uttarakhand. Based on morphological traits and the sequencing of the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer), rpb2 (RNA Polymerase II Second Largest Subunit), tef1 (Translation Elongation Factor 1-alpha) genes, the identified pathogens fall within the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). Pathogenicity tests confirmed the fulfillment of Koch's postulates, establishing the responsibility of the FIESC in grain/pod rot. This study unveils the first incidence of the FIESC causing grain/pod rot in bajra, cowpea, finger millet, soybean, green gram, and moth bean in India. Considering the economic importance of these crops, it is imperative to implement robust disease management strategies to alleviate the adverse effects of these pathogens on agricultural production. The findings underscore the necessity for continued research on emerging diseases to safeguard global crop production and food security.

Smallholder farmers’ dissatisfaction with contract farming: a gendered perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigates the drivers of farmers’ dissatisfaction with market-specification contracts for finger millet crop in Kenya. The researcher analysed data from 336 farmers contracted by USOMI, out of which a sub-sample of 146 farmers who grew millet in 2021 was analysed using a probit model and descriptive analysis approach, which showed that asymmetric information related to the role of the contracting firm, lack of adequate understanding of the contract, poor pricing, and input market imperfections are some of the critical constraints and sources of dissatisfaction in the commercialisation of millet farming in Western Kenya. On the other hand, farmers’ satisfaction is driven by access to market and reasonable prices offered by the spot market traders. While the study found out that productivity and pricing were not gendered, it was observed that women were generally satisfied with contract farming. Consequently, contractual schemes should integrate complementary factors such as input provision. While the results do not show explicit benefits to women farmers, they do allow for the backing of contract farming in rural development programs to reduce gender inequalities.

Farmer-preferred traits and variety choices for finger millet in Uganda

Finger millet is a climate-resilient crop providing food and nutrition security and income In Uganda. However, the current productivity of finger millet in farmers’ fields is low and among other factors, this is due to the poor adoption of improved varieties. With this study we aim to identify and profile varietal traits preferred by finger millet farmers and consumers in Uganda. We specifically focus on how these traits vary among women and men in the Ugandan finger millet value chain. We collect data using semi-structured questionnaires among 170 households growing millet in Bushenyi, Lira, and Nwoya districts, and we triangulate questionnaires replies with qualitative information from 11 focus group discussions and 3 key informant interviews. Using descriptive statistics and probit regression models, we find that the majority of the farmers (97%) prefer growing landrace varieties of finger millet compared to only 3% growing improved varieties. The most preferred varieties were Kaguma in Bushenyi, Ajuko Manyige in Nwoya, Kal Atar, and Okello Chiba in Lira. Farmers’ choice of variety depends on a combination of traits including agronomic, marketing, and consumption traits. Gender, marital status, education levels, and occupation are the major socio-demographic factors that influence specific preferences related to finger millet variety. This study lays a foundation for designing a gender-responsive finger millet product profile to guide the development and release of new varieties by the finger millet crop improvement program.

Molecular docking insights into nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factor and pyrabactin resistance 1 (PYL) receptor proteins reveal abiotic stress regulation in finger millet

Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana - (L.) Gaertn), is an important nutraceutical crop with the potential for imparting food and nutritional security. These plants have a comparatively higher tolerance for several abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and heat. Several players including Transcription Factor (TF) like Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) might be associated with this enhanced level of tolerance. Further, it is unclear how phytohormones like Abscisic acid (ABA) regulate the expression of NF-Y, whether in ABA-dependent or ABA-Independent pathway. The interaction of PYL (Pyrabactin resistance1-like) receptor proteins with Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) Transcription Factor in the presence of phytohormones like abscisic acid (ABA) provides one insight related to the enhanced tolerance towards abiotic stresses under ABA-dependent signaling in finger millet crop. A total of three PYL receptors of finger millet designated as EcPYL1, EcPYL5, and EcPYL9 were retrieved in the finger millet genome. These receptors were modeled through the SWISS-MODEL using templates 5gwo and 3wg8 and docked with ABA. The best-docked protein-ligand complex PYL5-ABA (binding energy ΔG ​= ​-8.8 kcal mol-1) was found to be most stable at the 50ns MD simulation study. Further protein-protein interaction between PYL5 and NF-YA2/B3/C1 sub-family members showed a good interaction. This clearly indicates the possibility of the NF-Y-PYL module in the ABA transduction pathway, which performs a crucial role in the expression of stress-responsive genes. These studies reveal the intricate relationship between the ABA, PYL receptors of finger millet, and NF-Y transcription factor in regulating the stress-responsive genes and provide an insight into the abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms, which can be targeted for crop improvement.

Soil Fertility and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Management Practices in Sandy Loam Soils

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important small millet crop grown in India and has the pride of place in having highest productivity among millets. However, the productivity comes down in low available soil phosphorus areas where finger millet is grown. A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Perumalapalle, Tirupati, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh, India during kharif, 2018 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM on soil fertility status and yield of finger millet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists of combination of phosphorus fertilizer, PSB and VAM and replicated thrice. Soil samples were collected at initial and after harvest and analyzed for physico-chemical, chemical properties and grain yield was recorded after harvest. The results revealed that application of PSB, VAM along with phosphorus fertilizer exerted significant effect on available N, P2O5, K2O, S and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Significantly the highest available N (150 kg ha-1), P2O5 (42.34 kg ha-1 ), K2O (227 kg ha-1 ), S (9.57 mg kg-1 ), DTPA extractable Manganese (38.67 mg kg-1) was registered with application of 100 % RDP + PSB @ 750 ml ha-1 + VAM @ 12.5 kg ha-1 (T6). Moreover, this treatment led to the highest recorded grain yield of finger millet, achieving 4328 kg ha-1. Physico-chemical properties (pH, EC and OC) was non significant with phosphorus management practices. In conclusion, the results underscore the positive impact of the combined application of PSB, VAM, and phosphorus fertilizer on both soil fertility parameters and finger millet yield. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing agricultural practices in regions characterized by sandy loam soils and low phosphorus availability, contributing to the sustainable productivity of finger millet crops in India.

A multi-dimensional study on finger millet crop scenario in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Ragi is a staple millet crop due to its suitability for marginal soils and low input requirements. The study used simple random sampling with 150 farmers from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts. Ten farmers were selected from each of the 15 identified villages. The study observed significant changes in agricultural area: Srikakulam experienced an 87.8% increase, Vizianagaram witnessed a 69.49% decrease, and Visakhapatnam had a 1.26% increase. In terms of production, Srikakulam showed a remarkable increase of 126.14%, while Vizianagaram had a decrease of 65.49%. Visakhapatnam experienced a minor decrease of 1.84% in production. Productivity varied, with Srikakulam demonstrating a 20.33% increase, Vizianagaram experiencing a decrease of 13.51%, and Visakhapatnam showing no change. The varietal spread of the Vizianagaram finger millet variety was distributed as follows: 40% in Andhra Pradesh, 38% in West Bengal, and 25.33% in Telangana. Among the finger millet varieties, Sri Chaitanya was observed in 20.8% of the area, Bharathi in 7.5%, and Champavathi in 6%. Adoption rates of improved ragi varieties were as follows: Vegavathi (33.34%), Bharathi (32.67%), Sri Chaitanya (23.34%), and Indrâvati (10%). Sowing methods varied, with 34.67% of farmers using direct sowing, 18% opting for transplantation, and only 8% applying seed treatment. The preferred sowing seasons were Kharif (50%), summer (35.34%) and Rabi (14.67%). Regarding nursery transplantation, 61.34% of farmers transplanted at 21 days for short-duration varieties. Fertilizer management practices showed that 48.67% of farmers used 4 tonnes of FYM, while 24.67% applied the recommended NPK dose. Inter-cropping patterns included Ragi+ Redgram (54%) and Ragi+ Bhendi (30%). Pest management strategies revealed that 70.67% of farmers used tricyclozole through foliar application for blast management, 56% used pseudomonas foliar application and 54% employed tricyclozole seed treatment. Shoot borer management was practiced by 58.67%, and sucking pest management by 49.34% of ragi farmers. The primary constraints identified were poor economic conditions (85%), low remunerative prices for millets (80%), high fertilizer costs (75%), and unfertile soils (74%). These findings provide insights into the agricultural practices, outcomes, and challenges faced in different districts or regions.

Mutualistic Effect of Macronutrients Availing Microbes on the Plant Growth Promotion of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Globally, man-made agrochemicals plays crucial role in plant growth promotion and boost crop yield. The agrochemicals overuse leaves the detrimental damage on the environment and humans. Biostimulants developed from single or multiple microbes (archaea, bacteria, and fungi) could be the appropriate alternative of agrochemical which sustains the agriculture as well as environment. In the present investigation, 93 beneficial bacteria associated with rhizospheric and endophytic region were isolated using diverse growth media. The isolated bacteria were screened for macronutrients availing traits including dinitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization. The bacterial consortium was developed using selected bacteria with multifunctional attributes and evaluated for the growth promotion of finger millet crop. Three potent NPK strains were identified as Erwinia rhapontici EU-FMEN-9 (N-fixer), Paenibacillus tylopili EU-FMRP-14 (P-solubilizer) and Serratia marcescens EU-FMRK-41 (K-solubilizer) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and BLAST analysis. The developed bacterial consortium inoculation on finger millet resulted in the improvement of growth and physiological parameters with respect to chemical fertilizer and control. The compatible mixture of bacteria was found to have more ability to increase the growth of finger millet and it might be utilized as biostimulants for nutri-cereal crops growing in hilly regions.

Rodent population dynamics and crop loss estimation due to rodent pests in finger millet based crop lands

Ragi (Eleusine coracana Gaertn ) also known as finger millet is an important millet widely grown in Asia and is the major staple food in southern Karnataka. Rodents are critical vertebrate pests and are regarded as big chaos to agricultural production. In the present studies the rodent population and crop loss due to rodent pest in finger millet crop was analyzed during the year 2022. The studies revealed that with mean trap index of 20.28 the rodent activity in the finger millet crop lands was observed throughout the year and the peak rodent activity was recorded in Kharif and Rabi crop seasons and was less in the dry (summer) seasons. The population was male and adult dominant with a male female ratio of 1:0.92 and adult infant ratio of 1:0.56, respectively. The Shannon index (Hǀ) in finger millet crop lands found to be 1.08 and the peak Shannon index was recorded in the month of August with a highest relative abundance of Bandicota bengalensis, Tatera indica and Mus platythrix rodent species in the finger millet crop lands. The yield loss estimation studies indicated that there was a grain loss of 2.98 q ha-1 in finger millet crop lands with a monetary value of Rs. 10, 662 (US $129.48) per hectare.

Impact of Odontotermes horni workers foraging on the loss of organic matter in agro and forest ecosystem

The study aimed to analyze the effect of worker termites of O. horni on the organic litter of finger millet crops cultivated under dryland agroecosystems and silver oak leaves in the forest ecosystem. The findings indicated that there was a depletion of 221.90 g and 113.72 g of organic litter per m2 area, with a maximum loss of 66.66% and 60.29%, respectively, in the unprotected finger millet plots and silver oak plantations.

Effect of Human Urine on Soil Properties and Yield of Finger Millet and Brinjal Crops

Improved agricultural practices that increase yields and preserve soils are critical to addressing food insecurity and undernutrition among smallholder farmer families. Human urine has been shown to be an accessible and effective fertilization option in various countries. Field experiments were conducted at the University of Agricultural Science, GKVk, Bangalore farm on Finger millet and Brinjal crops as the test crops in succession for 2 consecutive years in the same field. Different treatment combinations tried include human urine, with and without gypsum, cattle urine Farm Yard Manure (FYM), chemical fertilizers and control. The fertilizer value of human urine was assessed and supplied to the crops based on the nutrient content. The results revealed that the yield of two crops was significantly higher in treatment receiving human urine + FYM followed by human urine alone. Generally the results showed that human urine performed well than the commercially available chemical fertilizers (urea) applied as a source of N for crops and does not pose any significant hygienic threats and leave any significant flavor in food products.

Growth, yield and economics of amla (Emblica officinalis L.) based agri-horticultural system in Alfisols of semi-arid tropic

An intercropping trial conducted during 2011 to 2017 using five year old amla (Emblica officinalis L.) orchard planted at 4 X 4 m spacing and grown under rainfed condition to identify the suitable and profitable intercrops. The intercrops viz, finger millet, fodder maize, field bean, grain amaranth, cowpea, horsegram were considered in the study besides their pure stand. Growth parameter of amla such as plant height (369 cm), number of branches/tree (2.73), stem diameter (35.31 cm), canopy spread (279 cm) and biomass yield (296 kg/ha ) was found to be statistically significant with Amla intercropped with field bean compared with sole amla. The higher amla equivalent yield was recorded in intercropping with finger millet (1517 kg/ha) and was at par with cowpea (1298 kg/ha). Finger millet proved to be better intercrop in amla and registered 57.11 per cent higher net returns and Benefit cost ratio than sole amla. Overall, Amla + finger millet cropping system was found to be more sustainable both interms of benefit cost ratio (2.43) and improving system productivity (104.44 %) followed by pulse crop such as cowpea and field bean. The higher sustainable yield index (0.83) was with amla + finger millet intercropping system while Land Equivalent Ratio and Area Time Equivalent Ratio were higher with amla + field bean intercropping system.

Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Land Use Efficiency in Finger millet and Common Bean Cropping Systems

ABSTRACT Based on the efficiency of applied nutrients and land use there is no fertilizer rate recommendations for finger millet–common bean cropping systems. A field experiment was conducted in Northwestern Ethiopia on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and land use efficiency in finger millet and common bean cropping systems. Factorial combinations of three cropping systems (monoculture finger millet, monoculture common bean and their intercropping) and five fertilizer levels (0, 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of the recommended N and P fertilizer rate of each monoculture crop) were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that in both cropping systems, finger millet grain yield was increased in line with fertilizer levels of which maximum grain yield was obtained in an intercropping with the application of 200% N and P2O5. Application of 100% P2O5 in monoculture common bean gave maximum seed yield, while in an intercropping, application of P2O5 had no significant effect. The highest N and P partial factor productivity and agronomic efficiency of the component crops were recorded in an intercropping with the application of 50% P2O5 and N. Among the cropping systems finger millet–common bean intercropping at 50% P2O5 and N saved 0.91 ha of land over monocultures. In conclusion, intercropping finger millet and common bean at 2:1 ratio with the application of 50% of their blanket recommended N and P2O5 improved the N and P use efficiency thereby increasing the land use efficiency compared to the component monoculture.

Development of Tractor Front Mounted Harvester for Finger Millet

Finger millet crop is important minor millet, which can serve as both food and fodder. Manual harvesting of finger millet involves harvesting earhead and stalk separately which is labor intensive. Hence, the study aimed to design and develop a harvester for finger millet to remove drudgery in harvesting and to achieve a low cost of harvesting. The important crop and machine parameters influencing the harvesting of finger millets were identified for the most prominent variety of CO (Ra) 14 in finger millet. A prototype finger millet harvester was developed and the effect of a machine and operational parameters were evaluated in terms of header loss at different levels of a rotational speed of reel 30, 35 and 40 revolutions per minute (rpm), 35, 40 and 45 cm mounting height of reel and forward speed 1.6, 2.68, and 3.48 km/h. The performance of the harvest was found satisfactory. Comparing the best combinations of machine and operational parameters, the minimum header loss of 1.25 per cent was achieved at the combination of 30 rpm rotational speed of reel, 40 cm mounting height of reel and 2.68 km/h forward speed.

Evaluation of weed management efficacy of post-emergence herbicides in blackgram under semi-arid Alfisols

The efficacy of a post-emergence herbicides in managing weeds in blackgram was evaluated during summer and rainy (Kharif) seasons of 2016 at University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bangalore, India. The experiments were laid in RCBD with three replications comprising of nine treatments. Major weed species observed were: Cyperus rotundus, Eleuisine indica, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Borreria articularis, Echinochloa colona, Commelina benghalensis, Euphorbia geniculata, Phyllanthus niruri. The post-emergence application (PoE) of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop-propargyl 8% EC (206.25 + 100 g/ha) has attained significantly higher seed and haulm yield of blackgram (1305 and 2088 kg/ha, respectively) in summer 2016 and (1519 and 2253 kg/ha, respectively) in Kharif 2016, followed by sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop-propargyl 8% EC (165 + 80 and 123.75 + 60 g/ha) (1192 and 1808 kg/ha, respectively) in summer 2016 and (1425 and 2095 kg/ha, respectively) in Kharif 2016. Similarly the weed control efficiency in summer and kharif 2016 was higher with sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl (330 + 160 g/ha) PoE (93.20 and 91.0%, respectively) and it was followed by sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop-propargyl (206.25 + 100 g/ha) PoE (89.51 and 90.24%, respectively) when compared to weedy check. The increased yield was mainly due to a significant reduction in weed density and biomass, without any phytotoxicity to succeeding finger millet crop under semi-arid Alfisols.

Radiation intercepted by fingermillet crop in bangalore region

Radiation intercepted by fingermillet crop in bangalore region

Influence of Zeolite Application on Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Gandhi Krishi vigyana Kendra, Bengaluru during kharif-2017 and 2018 to study the influence of zeolite application on growth and yield of finger millet crop. The pooled analysis showed significantly higher plant height recorded in the treatment which received zeolite 50 kg ha-1 +125 per cent RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) which was at par with the treatment which received zeolite 50 kg ha-1 +100 per cent RDF in 30, 60, 90 and at Harvest stage. The number of tillers per hill (3.44), total dry matter production (41.67 g hill-1), number of fingers per ear head (5.95), straw yield (36.07 q ha-1) and grain yield (48.00 q ha-1) was recorded in the treatment received zeolite 50 kg ha-1 +125 per cent RDF which was at par with the treatment which received zeolite 50 kg ha-1 +100 per cent RDF in pooled analysis.

Biochemical constituents indicate carbon mineralization under a long‐term integrated nutrient‐supplied Typic Kandiustalf

AbstractWe investigate the long‐term impact of integrated nutrient management to study the influence of fertilizer and manure on different biochemical constituents and carbon mineralization of roots and stubble of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) at the Experimental Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. The farm continuously received uniform treatments for 40‐years during 1978–2018 under a groundnut + finger millet cropping system. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and ash contents for roots and stubble were recorded higher with the treatment T5 [farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha−1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] while the control treatment showed their lowest values. The treatment T5 caused a higher cumulative rate of CO2 evolution from roots (49.68 mg CO2 g‐1 C) and stubble (58.48 mg CO2 g‐1 C) at the 98th day of incubation following a sigmoid curve pattern for the carbon mineralization. The correlation was highly significant between the rate of decomposition and cellulose content for roots (r = 0.892**) and stubble (r = 0.947**). Unlikely, the correlation was negatively significant between the decomposition rate and the lignin content in roots (r = −0.745*) and stubble (r = −0.720*). We conclude that the combined application of FYM at 10 t ha−1 and 100% RDF is the most efficient treatment to increase saccharification, reduce lignification, and sequester a higher rate of carbon mineralization capable of preserving the soil organic carbon (SOC) and facilitating alluviation of more resistant carbon in a Typic Kandiustalf soil.

Soil Test-Based Optimum Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply for Attaining Targeted Yield of Finger Millet in Mollisols of Northern India

A field study on soil test-based optimum integrated plant nutrients supply based on soil test crop response (STCR) approach was conducted during 2016–2017 in Mollisols of Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objective of the study was to develop fertilizer recommendation equation for the desired yield target of finger millet crop. The basic parameters, namely nutrients required for producing one quintal of grain, contribution of nutrients from soil, fertilizers, and farm yard manure (FYM), were estimated from the field experimental data to develop fertilizer prescription equations under integrated plant nutrition supply system. It was observed that response of finger millet to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers was higher when integrated with FYM application as compared to NPK alone. The contribution of N, P and K from FYM @ 5 t ha−1 was 21.84, 4.56 and 56.84%, respectively. The fertilizers N, P and K required for producing a yield target of 40 q ha−1 were 33.74, 6.04 and 24.27 kg ha−1, when applied along with 5.0 t ha−1 FYM based on soil test values of 125, 15 and 125 kg ha−1 of KMnO4-N, Olsen-P and NH4OAc-K, respectively. When N, P and K fertilizers were combined with FYM (5.0 t ha−1), the savings in fertilizer inputs were 24.4, 18.8 and 45.2% over NPK alone, respectively. Per cent reduction in NPK fertilizers under FYM also increased with increasing soil fertility levels with reference to NPK. A ready reckoner of fertilizer prescription was developed for a range of soil test values and targeted yield of finger millet for inorganic fertilizer with and without FYM.