Introduction

Ragi is suited for cultivatuion in areas with annual rainfall of 700-1200mm.It does not tolerate heavy rainfall and requires a dry spell at the time of grain ripening .It grows well in altitudes of 1000-1200 m with average temperature of 20 degree centigrade.Ragi is cultivated mostly in red lateritic soils.Relatively fertile and well drained soils are most suitable 

varieties

PR-202, K-2,Co-2, Co-7, Co-8, Co-9, Co-10.

Planting time

Main season :June-September

Late season  :July-October 

Summer :Dec-jan to march- april 

Planting materials

Seeds are used as planting material 

planting method

Seed rate 

 Direct sown crop :5 kg/ha

 Transplanted crop:4-5 kg/ha

 Spacing :25*15 cm

  Prepare the nursery field to a fine tilth.Incorporate FYM/COMPOST 5t/ha and form beds and channels.Sow seeds uniformly on the beds and cover by stirring the soil.Apply carbaryl 10 per cent on the edges of the beds against ants.One week before uprooting seedlings,apply ammonium sulphate @of 1 kg per 100 m2.A nursery area of 480 m2 is necessary to raise seedlings for one hectare.Transplant when they are three weeks old  

Fertilizer application

Plough  the field 3-4 times and incorporate FYM /COMPOST 5t/ha.Apply nitrogen,phosphorous and potash @22.5 kg/ha each before sowing and planting.Topdress nitrogen @22.5 kg/ha 21 days after sowing or planting 

Weeding

Weeding should be done three weeks after sowing and completed before top dressing 

Irrigation

Irrigate the field on the day of transplantation.Irrigation at weekly intervals increases growth rate and yield

Harvesting

Harvest the crop when the ears are yellowish brown.Heap the harvested ears and cover the heaps with ragi straw for 2-3 days before threshing