Pearl millet (Bajra)
BajraMilletKharif
https://agri.bot/crop-calendar/pearl-millet
Highly drought-tolerant Kharif millet, the staple coarse cereal of arid western India.
Calendar windows are indicative for the major Indian agro-climatic regions. Always cross-check with your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or state agriculture department for recommendations specific to your district, soil type and variety.
Sowing window
Jun – Jul
Harvest window
Sep – Oct
Major producing states
Rajasthan · Gujarat · Uttar Pradesh · Haryana
Twelve-month operations
| Month | Operations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | |
| February | — | |
| March | — | |
| April | — | |
| May | — | |
| June | SowFertilize | Sow with first effective monsoon rain. |
| July | FertilizeIntercultural | N top-dressing; weeding. |
| August | Spray / IPM | Scout for downy mildew under wet conditions. |
| SeptemberNow | Harvest | Harvest as ear-heads turn. |
| October | Harvest | |
| November | — | |
| December | — |
Fertilizer schedule
Basal NPK at sowing; one N top-dressing 25 – 30 DAS. Refer ICAR-AICRP on Pearl Millet for state-specific rates.
Pest & disease management
Downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) is the principal disease — use resistant hybrids and seed treatment. Watch for ergot in wet years.
Sources
See the full India crop calendar for all crops, or check our government schemes page for credit and insurance options for the Kharif season.