Jowar, another name for sorghum, is very important to farmers in dry areas. It serves as a primary meal and provides animal feed. Known as the "king of millets," it's versatile and thrives in both summer and monsoon seasons.
In India, Jowar ranks fifth among cereal crops, offering nutritional value akin to corn. However, its cultivation area has dwindled from 18 million to 6.3 million hectares, yielding around 6.4 million tonnes annually.
What is Jowar?
The Gramineae family plant, jowar, is high in carbohydrates. Its widespread use as a staple crop in semi-arid countries has earned it the moniker "king of millet." Jowar is primarily composed of starch, which is digested slowly and has lower protein and fat content.
It is versatile, used in various forms like rotis and bhakris, and can even be cooked like rice. Resilient to high temperatures and droughts, it is a common choice for cultivation across the country.
Climate Needs for Growing Jowar
Jowar (in scientific terms, sorghum) is a crop that flourishes in the temperature range of 25 to 32 ⁰C, which is neither too cold nor too hot. The vegetable is not sensitive to drought and can even endure aridity with the proviso of at least 400 mm annual rainfall.
Soil Suitable for Good Jowar Farming Production
While Jowar can thrive in various soil types, sandy loam offers optimal drainage. A pH level between 6 to 7.5 is ideal for growth. Using a Mahindra tractor, properly plow and level the field to ensure a weed-free environment for planting Jowar seeds.
Field Selection and Preparation for Jowar Cultivation
Avoid rocky fields for Jowar farming. Plough the field one to two times and harrow it crosswise twice to create a suitable seedbed. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which could be better for Jowar.
Sowing Jowar Seeds
Jowar, a flexible crop, is cultivated in various seasons throughout India. In the northern regions, it is typically planted during the Kharif season following the initial monsoon break, which usually occurs from late June to early July.
In the southern regions, it is sown between October and November. The ideal spacing between plants and rows when planting seeds is 15 to 20 cm.
Manure and Fertilization for Jowar Farming
In readiness for Jowar farming, enrich the field with 10 to 15 tons of Farm Yard Manure, packed with vital micronutrients crucial for Sorghum growth. When sowing, foster robust crop growth with a basal fertiliser blend of 60:40:40 kg N: P205: K20.
Irrigation in Jowar Farming
Irrigation practices vary based on the season and climate. For monsoon-sown crops in July, one to three irrigations are sufficient. In contrast, the summer season requires six to seven irrigations due to higher temperatures. Rabi season crops in the Southern region necessitate four to five irrigations, and farmers rely on efficient irrigation methods, often facilitated by Swaraj tractors.
Weed Control
Effective weed control methods include manual weeding, hoeing, and the use of power or manual weeders. Herbicides like Atrazine or Propazine can be utilized during the rainy season, but they must be applied before Jowar seedlings emerge to prevent damage.
Insects and Disease in Jowar Cultivation
Jowar crops are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including shootfly, stem borer, sorghum midge, sooty stripe, zonate leaf spot, and anthracnose. Control measures involve using carbaryl or lindane for stem borers, endosulfan or lindane for midges, treating seeds for shoot fly, and employing dithane-based sprays for downy mildew. Traditional methods are also viable options for pest and disease management.
Crop Plotting and Separation of Sorghum Grain
The length of the sorghum crop varies depending on the type. In coastal areas, strong winds and heavy rains during March and April are more likely due to low pressure at sea, which can be detrimental to certain plants and even cause destruction.
Therefore, the harvest is carried out when the crops reach the ripening stage (between 105-110 days) to minimize losses caused by diseases and cyclonic rains. Afterwards, the panicles are sun-dried for seven days, and then either a thresher machine or manual hand threshing is used to separate the grains.
Sorghum's Health Benefits
Sorghum has a special makeup that makes it tricky for the body to absorb proteins from whole grains. Despite this, research shows many health perks from eating sorghum.
Antioxidants that fight inflammation, such phenolic substances, are abundant in sorghum. These antioxidants benefit general health by lowering inflammation.
Certain phenolic compounds found in sorghum have shown potential in combating cancer. Tannins, responsible for sorghum's pigmentation, may inhibit enzymes linked to breast cancer development.
Because sorghum is rich in starch, it helps you feel full for longer without consuming extra calories. The body digests sorghum slowly, so adding it to your meals can help you stay satisfied for extended periods.
