Pearl Millet Production Research Articles

Effect of nitrogen levels and foliar application of nano-urea on productivity of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. emend Stuntz

Effect of nitrogen levels and foliar application of nano-urea on productivity of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. emend Stuntz

Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum): A Climate Resilient and Nutritionally Significant Crop for Global Food Security

The environmental balance needed for agriculture is severely strained due to changes in rainfall patterns and climate change, as well as the growing global need for food. As global temperatures rise and precipitation patterns become more erratic, millets offer an efficient solution to the trade-off between food security and water availability. Millets are rich in nutrients and possess a special ability to endure extreme conditions such as heat, drought, and various other abiotic and biotic stresses. Pearl millet is a highly climate-resilient crop capable of mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. Antioxidant gene expression, presence of a waxy outer layer and heat shock proteins/chaperons contribute to its abiotic stress tolerance. By adjusting its flowering phenology and establishing fast-growing roots, pearl millet enhances its water and nutrient use efficiency. Stable sources of germplasm in pearl millet that exhibit resistance to diseases such as downy mildew, blast, rust, smut, and ergot have also been incorporated into disease resistance breeding programs. Pearl millet plays a crucial role in nourishing the poverty-stricken populations due to its high palatability and rich nutritional profile. Various bioactive compounds pertain to hypoglycemic, anticancerous and probiotic properties that contribute to its health benefits. Biofortification in pearl millet offers a solution to address issues of micronutrient deficiency in vulnerable populations. Continued research and investment in pearl millet production not only bolster food security but also contribute to the resilience of agricultural systems in the face of increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions. Thus, embracing pearl millet represents a forward-thinking approach to ensuring food security and promoting nutritional diversity on a global scale.

Market Dynamics and Consumer Insights for Value-added Pearl Millet Products: Empirical Evidence from Rajasthan, India

The study provides an overview of the study on consumer preference and consumption patterns of value-added pearl millet products in Rajasthan. The research focused on identifying consumer preferences, understanding consumption patterns, and evaluating buying behavior based on individual preferences. The study includes various value-added pearl millet products such as cookies, cakes, bakery items, different varieties of batters, ready-to-eat items like khakhra, dhokla, puffs, and liquid items like lassi. Analysis was done using chi-square and weighted average method. Major findings from the study were that educated consumers showed a higher preference for pearl millet products. The largest consumer group had a monthly income of less than ₹10,000. Pearl millet cookies, cakes, and other bakery items were the most preferred products. The preferred channel for purchasing value-added pearl millet products was retail/grocery stores. Also, the most influential factor in consumer purchasing decisions was nutritional value. Factors such as price, flavor, packaging, and color had a relatively lower impact. This study offers guidance on consumers way of demand to businesses involved in the processed millet product industry.

El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions simultaneously reduce the production of multiple cereals across India

Abstract Natural climate phenomena like El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) influence the Indian monsoon and thereby the region’s agricultural systems. Understanding their influence can provide seasonal predictability of agricultural production metrics to inform decision-making and mitigate potential food security challenges. Here, we analyze the effects of ENSO and IOD on four agricultural production metrics (production, harvested area, irrigated area, and yields) for rice, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet across India from 1968 to 2015. El Niños and positive-IODs are associated with simultaneous reductions in the production and yields of multiple crops. Impacts vary considerably by crop and geography. Maize and pearl millet experience large declines in both production and yields when compared to other grains in districts located in the northwest and southern peninsular regions. Associated with warmer and drier conditions during El Niño, >70% of all crop districts experience lower production and yields. Impacts of positive-IODs exhibit relatively more spatial variability. La Niña and negative-IODs are associated with simultaneous increases in all production metrics across the crops, particularly benefiting traditional grains. Variations in impacts of ENSO and IOD on different cereals depend on where they are grown and differences in their sensitivity to climate conditions. We compare production metrics for each crop relative to rice in overlapping rainfed districts to isolate the influence of climate conditions. Maize production and yields experience larger reductions relative to rice, while pearl millet production and yields also experience reductions relative to rice during El Niños and positive-IODs. However, sorghum experiences enhanced production and harvested areas, and finger millet experiences enhanced production and yields. These findings suggest that transitioning from maize and rice to these traditional cereals could lower interannual production variability associated with natural climate variations.

Strategies for enhancing productivity, resilience, nutritional quality, and consumption of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for food and nutritional security in India

AbstractPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is an important component of agri‐food system in areas experiencing drought and high temperature and for increasing the resilience to climatic stresses and addressing malnutrition. The purpose of this review is to examine strategies for improving productivity, stress resilience, and nutritional quality of pearl millet and to understand its consumption pattern. Genetic diversification of hybrid parental lines remains strategically important to breed diverse, disease‐resistant and drought‐tolerant hybrids. Resistance to diseases, tolerance to drought, and high temperature and greater contents of iron and zinc are targeted in improving hybrid parental lines. Lodging resistance, compact panicles, panicle exertion, and improved seed set are universal traits, whereas duration, tillering ability, seed color, and seed size have a strong regional preference. The strategy of developing high‐yielding and disease‐resistant hybrids with adaptation to challenged agro‐ecologies has led to increase in yield from 303 to 1219 kg/ha between 1960 and 2020. Yield and stress resilience are to be increased further using conventional breeding and new tools like genomic selection, speed breeding, genome editing, and precision phenotyping. Mainstreaming grain nutritional traits, viz., iron and zinc contents in genetic improvement are essential to develop high‐yielding and nutrient‐rich pearl millet. There is need to enhance the consumption of pearl millet by strengthening existing value‐chain, providing consumer a choice of diverse range of food products, creating awareness about its health benefits and promotion through government schemes.

Long-term organic and N fertilization influence the quality and productivity of pearl millet under pearl millet-wheat sequence in north India

The present investigation reported that FYM application in different seasons influenced root, shoot, and seedling length, straw K, vigour index-I, nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield of pearl millet significantly (P < 0.05) and followed the order: both seasons > kharif > rabi. Applying FYM in both seasons resulted in higher N, P, and K content in pearl millet grain (1.99%, 0.17%, and 0.37%, respectively) followed by kharif season application (1.93, 0.16, and 0.35%, respectively). Applying 15 t FYM ha−1 significantly increased the grain N (13.19%), P (63.16%), K (22.29%), protein (13.56%), stover N (32.76%), P (46.66%) and root length (29.83%) over FYM0. After 50 cropping cycles, continuous application of FYM15, FYM10, and FYM5 significantly improved vigour index-I by 52.85, 39.26, and 23.63% over no FYM, respectively. Applying 120 kg N ha−1 significantly increased N (6.38%), P (15.89%), and protein (6.03%) content, germination (5.91%), and vigour indexes (24.52 to 30.91%) of pearl millet grain over no fertilizer N. The treatment FYM15 × N120 increased the seedling length of pearl millet by 30.54 over N120 and 11.08% over FYM15 alone, respectively. Adding FYM either during both seasons or in the kharif season along with fertilizer N proved superior in improving the quality and yield of pearl millet.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Pearl Millet: Insights from a Long-term Field Experiment

The study investigates the impact of integrated nutrient management strategies on the yield and nutrient uptake of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Pearl millet is a significant source of dietary energy and essential nutrients for rural populations in India. However, its productivity remains low compared to other millet-producing countries. This research aims to enhance pearl millet yield through a combination of organic manures, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers, addressing the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Twelve treatment combinations were tested, including 100% NPK along with farmyard manure (FYM) and seed treatments with biofertilizers. Results indicated that the treatment combining 100% NPK with FYM at 10 t/ha/year and biofertilizers significantly improved biological yield, nutrient uptake, and soil organic carbon content. Specifically, the highest biological yield recorded was 8026 kg/ha, with notable increases in total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. This study underscores the importance of integrated nutrient management in enhancing pearl millet productivity while maintaining soil health. By adopting these practices, farmers can improve crop yields and contribute to food security in regions reliant on pearl millet. The findings provide a framework for future research and practical applications in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrient supply systems to optimize crop performance and soil fertility.

Growth, Decomposition, and Instability Analysis of Pearl Millet in Jodhpur Region and Rajasthan, India

Aims: The main purpose of this study was to examine the growth, instability and source of output growth in area, production and productivity of pearl millet in Jodhpur &amp; Barmer districts, Jodhpur Region and entire Rajasthan. Study Design: The present study was completely based on secondary time series data. Place &amp; Duration of Study: This study area was covered to Jodhpur &amp; Barmer districts, Jodhpur Region and entire Rajasthan. The entire study period was divided into three sub-periods viz., period-I (2006-07 to 2013-14), Period-II (2014-15 to 2021-22) and Overall period (2006-07 to 2021-22). Methodology: The time series data were analyzed using statistical tools exponential growth model, Cuddy-Della Valle instability index and Minhas &amp; Vaidyanthan decomposition model to accomplish the study’s objectives. Results: The results of the study indicated that highest growth rate were observed in the productivity (36.20%) and production (30.83%) of pearl millet in Barmer district during period-I. The maximum variability was observed in production (77.88%) and productivity (77.30%) of pearl millet in Barmer district during period-II. The yield effect (300.43%) was reported as major contributor to boost-up the production of pearl millet in selected study area. The state government should establish Agri-Export Zones for millet crops in the state. Conclusion: The highest growth rate was recorded in pearl millet’s productivity in Barmer district. The highest instability was reported in production of pearl millet in Barmer district. Yield effect was major source of output growth in production of pearl millet in Barmer district.

Exploring adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in dryland farming systems and impact on pearl millet production under climate change in West Africa

Understanding and identifying appropriate adaptation optons for cropping systems and management practices at spatial and temporal scales is an important prerequisite for scaling. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.) could be regarded as a risk-reducing measure crop under climate change when coupled with tactical agronomic management practices. In this study, we assess the impacts of adaptation strategies such as cultivar type, planting windows, and fertilizer strategies on pearl millet production under rainfed farming systems over Nigeria and Senegal using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. The impact of climate change on millet yield was evaluated using a validated APSIM-millet module that utilized yield data collected through participatory research and extension approach (PREA) in contrasting environments. The climate model projections for the mid-century period (2040–2069) were compared against a baseline period of 1980–2009 for both locations. During the simulation, two millet varieties (improved local and dual-purpose) with two sowing regimes were considered comparing traditional farmers’ sowing window (dry sowing) and agronomic sowing window (planting based on the onset of the rainfall) at three different fertilizer levels [low (23 kg N ha−1), medium (40.5 kg N ha−1), and high (68.5 kg N ha−1) respectively]. The performance of the APSIM-millet module was found to be satisfactory as indicated by the low Root Means Square Error (RMSE) and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values. The range for grain yield was between 17.7% and 25.8%, while for AGB it was between 18.6% and 21.4%. The results showed that farmers’ sowing window simulated slightly higher grain yield than the agronomic sowing window for improved local millet cultivar indicating yield increased by 8–12%. However, the projected changes in the mid-century (2040–2069) resulted in a decline in yield against baseline climate for both varieties and sowing windows, indicating the negative impact of climate change (CC) on yield productivity. The comparison between dual-purpose millet and improved local millet indicates that disseminating the improved millet variety and implementing early sowing could be an effective adaptation strategy in reducing risks and losses caused by climate change. Similarly, low magnitude impacts simulated on grain yield (&amp;lt; −8% in Nigeria compared to &amp;gt; −8% in Senegal) even though both locations are in the same agroecological zone.

Phosphorus solubilizing Bacillus sp. strain MN-54 increased the yield and economic returns of pearl millet due to improved phosphorus use efficiency

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a frequent problem in calcareous soils of Pakistan because of P-fixation, which poses significant threats to pearl millet productivity. The use of P-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is regarded as a promising approach for improving P-availability in soil-plant systems. However, it needs optimization of P application into the soil. Therefore, this 2-year field study was conducted to optimize P doses in combination with PSB (Bacillus sp. MN54) inoculation to improve phosphorus use efficiency (PUE), yield, economic returns, and grain quality of pearl millet. Five P doses, i.e. 0 (native soil P only - control), 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 combined with and without PSB inoculated seeds were used in the study. The application of 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 + seed inoculation with PSB improved the grain yield by 36.8% and 36.0% during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. The same treatment significantly improved the PUE, grain protein, zinc (Zn), and total grain P contents compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the highest economic returns (1053.3 and 1050.5 $ ha−1) and benefit:cost ratio were observed under 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 + seed inoculation with PSB during both years. In conclusion, application of 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 combined with PSB seed inoculation is a pragmatic option to improve P uptake, grain yield, PUE, grain quality and economic returns of pearl millet grown on calcareous soils.

Omics-driven utilization of wild relatives for empowering pre-breeding in pearl millet.

Pearl millet wild relatives harbour novel alleles which could be utilized to broaden genetic base of cultivated species. Genomics-informed pre-breeding is needed to speed up introgression from wild to cultivated gene pool in pearl millet. Rising episodes of intense biotic and abiotic stresses challenge pearl millet production globally. Wild relatives provide a wide spectrum of novel alleles which could address challenges posed by climate change. Pre-breeding holds potential to introgress novel diversity in genetically narrow cultivated Pennisetum glaucum from diverse gene pool. Practical utilization of gene pool diversity remained elusive due to genetic intricacies. Harnessing promising traits from wild pennisetum is limited by lack of information on underlying candidate genes/QTLs. Next-Generation Omics provide vast scope to speed up pre-breeding in pearl millet. Genomic resources generated out of draft genome sequence and improved genome assemblies can be employed to utilize gene bank accessions effectively. The article highlights genetic richness in pearl millet and its utilization with a focus on harnessing next-generation Omics to empower pre-breeding.

Effect of foliar supplementation of N, P and K on nutrient dynamics and productivity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

A field experiment was conducted at Bikaner, Rajasthan during rainy (kharif) season of 2016 to study the effect of foliar supplementation of N, P and K on nutrient content, uptake and productivity of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend Stuntz]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. The treatments comprised 14 combinations of N, P and K applied through basal application, foliar application and top-dressing. The results revealed that, application of N, P and K through foliar supplementation significantly influenced the nutrient content and uptake in pearl millet. Application of 75% RDF of N (50% basal + 25% top-dressing at 25 DAS) : P : K + 1.5% spray of NPK (18:18:18) at 35 DAS resulted in maximum crude protein content (11.58%), total N uptake (70.7 kg/ha), total P uptake (13.1 kg/ha), total K uptake (74.0 kg/ha), ear-head length (32.4 cm), grain weight per ear-head (23.3 g), grain yield (2.13 t/ha), biological yield (6.88 t/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) under hot arid conditions of western Rajasthan.

Hydrothermal Treatment: A Critical Research on Improving Milling Efficiency Using the Parboiling Process for Pearl Millet

Hydrothermal treatment, particularly through the parboiling process, has emerged as a critical method for enhancing milling efficiency in pearl millet. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the various aspects related to parboiling as a means to improve the quality and yield of milled pearl millet grains. The study begins by elucidating the significance of milling efficiency in pearl millet processing, considering its nutritional value and widespread consumption in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. It then delves into the principles underlying the parboiling process, including soaking, steaming, and drying stages, and their impact on the physicochemical properties of millet grains. Key factors influencing milling efficiency, such as soaking temperature, duration, and steaming conditions, are thoroughly examined based on recent research findings and empirical evidence. The study highlights the critical role of gelatinization in starch transformation, protein denaturation, and fiber preservation during the parboiling process, contributing to improved milling outcomes. Furthermore, the review explores the effects of parboiling on reducing grain breakage, enhancing milling yield, and minimizing nutrient losses, thereby optimizing the overall milling efficiency of pearl millet. It discusses the implications of parboiling on nutritional quality, food safety, and economic viability, underscoring its potential to address challenges in millet processing and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The study concludes by outlining future research directions and practical considerations for optimizing the parboiling process in pearl millet production. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer to realize the full benefits of hydrothermal treatment in improving milling efficiency and enhancing the value chain of pearl millet. In summary, this critical review provides valuable insights into the role of parboiling as a transformative technique for enhancing milling efficiency in pearl millet processing, offering implications for research, policy, and practice in the domains of food security, nutrition, and agricultural development.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Applications on Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season (Nov - Jan) of 2023-2024 in the experimental farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. To study “Effect of soil and foliar applications on growth and productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L).” Factorial Randomized Block Design was used with two factors and 3 replications. The treatment combination consists of 10 treatments viz., T1- 100 percent RDF+ Nano-DAP, T2 - 100 percent RDF + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T3 – 100 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T4 – 100 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T5 – 100 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T6 - 100 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T7 – 75 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T8 - 75 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T9 - 75 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T10- 75 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS.The results indicated that the application of 75 percent RDF + Vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea increased the growth parameters (plant height and Leaf Area Index), physiological parameters (Crop Growth Rate and Chlorophyll Index) and yield (grain and stover yield) of pearl millet.

Impact of Combining Microbial Enriched Organic Manures with Inorganic Nutrients on Physiological Characteristics and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The present investigation was undertaken to validate the integrated use of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers inoculated in organic manures on the physiological attributes and of pearl millet in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, during the rabi season of 2023-24. Results outlined that the integrated nutrient management practice of applying Azospirillum &amp; PSB enriched vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + 100% Recommended dose of N, P2O5 &amp; K2O has significantly increased the physiological attributes (leaf area index, crop growth rate, chlorophyll index), and yield (grain yield and stover yield) of pearl millet. This was statistically on par with the treatment Azospirillum &amp; PSB enriched FYM @12.5 t ha-1 + 100% RDF dose of N, P2O5 &amp; K2O.

Stability Analysis and Identification of Superior Hybrids in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Using the Multi Trait Stability Index.

Pearl millet stands as an important staple food and feed for arid and semi-arid regions of India and South Africa. It is also a quick supplier of important micronutrients like Fe and Zn via grain to combat micronutrient deficiencies among people in developing countries. India has notably spearheaded advancements in pearl millet production and productivity through the All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project. There were 21 hybrids evaluated over arid and semi-arid ecologies of the western and southern regions of India. AMMI and GGE biplot models were adopted to recommend a specific hybrid for the particular locality. A joint analysis of variation indicated a significant genotype-environment interaction for most of the agronomical and grain micronutrient parameters. Pearson's correlation values dissected the significant and positive correlation among agronomic traits and the negative correlation with grain micronutrient traits. GGE biplot analysis recommended the SHT 106 as a dual-purpose hybrid and SHT 115 as a biofortified hybrid for the grain's Fe and Zn content. SHT 110 and SHT 108 were selected as stable and high grain yield-producing hybrids across all environments and specifically for E1, E2, and E4 as per the Which-Won-Where and What biplot. SHT 109 and SHT 103 hybrids were stable and high dry fodder yield-producing hybrids across all environments. In this study, the Multi-Trait Stability Index (MTSI) was employed to select the most stable and high-performing hybrids for all traits. It selected SHT 120, SHT 106, and SHT 104 for stability and great performance across all environments. These findings underscored the significance of tailored hybrid recommendations and the potential of pearl millet in addressing both food security and malnutrition challenges in various agro-ecological regions.

Meta-QTL analysis reveals the important genomics regions for biotic stresses, nutritional quality and yield related traits in pearl millet

AbstractPearl millet (Cenchrus americanus) is the sixth most significant cereal crop cultivated on 30 million ha and a staple diet for 90 million poor people across the globe. Besides abiotic stresses several biotic stresses have been limiting production of pearl millet in the semi-arid and arid regions. Although, the Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) associated with key diseases like blast, rust and downy mildew resistance and nutritional content has been reported, the use of these QTLs is limited in breeding programs. To identify highly stable consensus genomic regions, we conducted Meta-QTL analysis using 191 QTLs reported in 12 independent studies over the last two decades. As a result, we report 34 Meta-QTLs regions on a consensus genetic map comprising of 692 markers and spanning 2070.7 cM. The confidence interval of Meta-QTLs was reduced by 3.63 folds (0.18–7.49 cM), in contrast to projected QTLs interval of 1.11–60.63 cM. Further, a total of 1198 genes were identified in 34 Meta-QTL regions. Among 34 Meta-QTL regions, Meta-QTL1.1 is found to be region of significant importance as it harbours genes for enhanced biotic stress tolerance, plant growth and development as well as genes related with enhanced seed development. Meta-QTL2.4 has highest number of genes with a significant role in disease resistance which contains basic leucine zipper domain, zinc family, leucine rich repeat regions. Meta-QTL3.1 has ABC transporter like activity coupled with the ATPase activity which has a role in Fe and Zn uptake in leaves and root tissues. These Meta-QTL regions can be used in genomics-assisted breeding for enhancing the blast, rust downy mildew resistance as well as yield and nutritional traits.

Effect of Need-based Nitrogen Scheduling on the Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Background: Under the present context of global warming and climate change, the choice of an ecologically hardy crop is having prime importance. Nutrient management is an important approach for improving crop growth and productivity. Among all the nutrients, nitrogen helps in the overall growth of the plant. Nitrogen helps to synthesize chlorophyll and thereby supports building the protein units that enhance plant growth. As nitrogen is highly mobile, it is lost through different ways such as volatilization, leaching, nitrification, etc. Split application of nitrogen through proper scheduling is an important approach to reduce nitrogen loss as well as to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Hence, the investigation was conducted to find out how the scheduling of nitrogen is affecting pearl millet growth and productivity. Methods: The present study was conducted in kharif season of 2022 on pearl millet at Post Graduate Experimental Farm, M. S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 9 treatments, namely, T1: control, T2: 50% basal RDN, T3: 100% basal RDN, T4: 50% basal RDN + 50% at 30 DAS, T5: 50% basal RDN + 25% at 30 DAS and 45 DAS, T6: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95%, T7: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 90%, T8: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 85%, T9: 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 80%. Result: The results showed that the application of 50% nitrogen as basal + topdressing @10 kg nitrogen/ha at sufficiency index less than 95% gave the maximum growth, yield, and income was also significantly higher with this application. So, it could be recommended to the farmers for growing pearl millet during kharif season in southern Odisha to achieve higher growth and productivity.

Management interventions of pearl millet systems for attaining cereal self-sufficiency in Senegal

Critical management interventions to target the yield potential for each environment are key to food security, increasing the resilience of current agricultural systems in Senegal. Cereal production is highly dependent on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) rainfed systems as one of the major field crops for smallholders. This study aims to (i) quantify the production of pearl millet at the department level for the last quinquennial (until 2020), (ii) assess the impact of weather (temperature and precipitation) on the millet-based supply of cereal demand, and (iii) investigate, through crop modeling, the impact of millet-based supply of cereal demand by comparing recommended management interventions with smallholder-based strategies at the department level. Millet-based cereal supply–demand was estimated considering the observed population and the supply via the simulated pearl millet production (obtained using the APSIM-Millet model) at the department level from 1990 to 2021. High temperature and low precipitation occurrence presented a frequency of 35% across departments, leading to a reduction in millet production by roughly 6% relative to the normal average for 32 years. Adoption of recommended management showed the potential to increase the millet supply, more than doubling the current cereal supply, closing the current supply–demand gap (89 kg inhabitant−1). Achieving future cereal self-sufficiency will also require an intensification of other cereal production.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on production and productivity of pearl millet

Effect of integrated nutrient management on production and productivity of pearl millet