Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is one of the most important staple crops in India, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. It is highly valued for its drought resistance and adaptability to marginal soils. Bajra is a major source of food and fodder for millions of people and livestock. However, its productivity and quality have been low due to the prevalence of traditional and low-yielding varieties. To overcome these challenges, agricultural researchers have developed improved varieties of bajra with superior yield potential, disease resistance, and nutritional quality.
Improved bajra varieties have been developed through conventional breeding methods such as selection, hybridization, and mutation. These varieties have higher yields, better resistance to diseases and pests, and improved nutritional quality compared to traditional varieties. For example, Pusa Dwarf 2 is a high-yielding bajra variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) that can produce up to 3.5 tons of grain per hectare. It is also resistant to downy mildew and rust diseases that affect bajra crops. Another variety, HHB 67, is a hybrid bajra developed by the Haryana Agricultural University that has a yield potential of up to 4.5 tons per hectare.
In addition to improved yield potential and disease resistance, some new bajra varieties have also been developed with improved nutritional quality. These varieties have higher levels of protein, iron, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for human and animal health. For instance, Pusa Dwarf Hybrid 4 is a nutrient-dense bajra variety developed by the IARI that contains 11.7% protein, 65.8 mg/kg iron, and 40.7 mg/kg zinc.
Improved bajra varieties are now widely available to farmers through seed production and distribution programs. The government of India and NGOs have launched various initiatives to promote the adoption of these varieties among small farmers. For example, the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) provides subsidies for high-yielding bajra seeds to farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has also launched a program to promote the adoption of hybrid bajra varieties among farmers in Africa.
In conclusion, improved varieties of bajra have the potential to enhance the productivity, sustainability, and nutritional quality of food and fodder production in the arid and semi-arid regions of India and beyond. With continued investments in research and development, seed production and distribution, and agronomic practices, these varieties will play an essential role in achieving food and nutrition security in the face of climate change and other challenges.