KULDEEP SINGH *, MANJEET, S. K. SHARMA, S. K. THAKRAL AND KARTIK SHARMA
Department of Dryland Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125004 (Haryana)
Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana- 141004 (Punjab)
*(e-mail : kuldeepvartia73@gmail.com)
(Received : 17 April 2021; Accepted : 10 June 2021)
SUMMARY
Pearl millet is a major cereal crop in northwestern India. It is the most drought-tolerant cereal grown in the arid and semi-arid regions. Its grains are valued as human food while its fodder makes important livestock ration in crop–livestock farming system. The production potential of rainfed pearl millet is continued to be low as a result of frequent drought due to high variability in rainfall (amount and distribution) during the growing season, low soil fertility, low plant nutrient use, and poor socio-economic conditions of farmers, could not use high technology input. This review mainly highlighted various improved practices for increasing productivity and profitability of fodder and grain type pearl millet. It includes soil moisture conservation practices by practicing the improved planting methods, supplemental irrigation, use of improved varieties, and intercropping. Integrated use of fertilizer and use of low energy input for enhancing the crop productivity.
Key words:Moisture conservation, supplemental irrigation, intercropping, improved varieties, nutrients management, energy management and Pearl millet