Table of content
[Link]. CONTENT PAGE NO.
1. Introduction to Ragi (Finger Millet) 1-3
2. Ragi Growing Seasons in India 4-5
3. Ragi Growing Seasons in Tamil Nadu 5-6
4. Released Varieties of Finger Millet (1986–2016) 6-8
5. Ragi Varieties Grown in Tamil Nadu 8-9
6. Conclusion 9
7. References 10
DETAILS OF RAGI VARIETIES AND SEASONS
Introduction to Ragi (Finger Millet)
• Botanical Classification
• Botanical Name: Eleusine coracana
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family).
• Chromosome number: 2n = 4x = 36 (an allotetraploid crop).
• Common Names: Ragi (Tamil, Kannada), Mandua (Hindi), Keppai
(Telugu), Nachni (Marathi).
Origin & Domestication
• Believed to have originated in East Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda).
• Introduced to India ~2000 years ago, now India is the largest producer
(contributes nearly 70% of global production).
• Adapted as a subsistence crop in South India and hilly regions.
Agricultural Significance
• Known as a climate-resilient, food security crop.
• Survives under low rainfall, poor soils, and high temperature, where
rice/wheat cannot grow.
• Plays a major role in the rainfed agriculture of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand.
Socio-economic Importance
• Provides nutritious food for rural populations.
• Acts as a fodder crop (straw for cattle).
• Cultivation requires low input cost, making it a suitable crop for small and
marginal farmers.
Nutritional Importance of Ragi
• Ragi is often called a “Super Cereal” or “Nutri-cereal” because of its high
nutritional profile.
Calcium:
• Contains 344 mg/100g – highest among cereals.
• Essential for bone growth in children, prevention of osteoporosis in elderly.
Iron:
• Ragi is rich in iron, helps in preventing anaemia, especially in women and
children.
Dietary Fibre:
• About 11–18% dietary fibre, which helps regulate digestion, prevents
constipation, and lowers cholesterol.
Protein & Amino Acids:
• Around 7–8% protein with unique amino acids like methionine,
tryptophan, threonine
• Methionine is rare in other cereals, thus making ragi protein superior.
Other Health Benefits:
• Low Glycaemic Index (GI): Slowly releases glucose, beneficial for
diabetes management.
• Antioxidants: Polyphenols help reduce risk of chronic diseases and delay
aging.
• Gluten-Free: Suitable for people with celiac disease.
• Satiety Effect: Provides fullness, prevents overeating → useful in weight
management.
Comparison with Other Cereals (per 100 g grain):
Nutrient Ragi Rice Wheat
Calcium (mg) 344 10 41
Iron (mg) 3.9 0.7 3.5
Dietary Fibre (%) 11–18 5 12
Protein (%) 7.6 6.8 11.8
Climate Suitability for Ragi
Adaptability:
• Can be cultivated under drought, high altitude, and semi-arid conditions.
• Performs well up to 2100 m above sea level.
Temperature:
• Optimum range is 20–30°C.
• Very high temperature (>35°C) affects germination & grain filling.
Rainfall Requirement:
• Minimum 400 mm rainfall is enough for survival.
• Best yield with 700–1000 mm rainfall, well-distributed.
Soil Requirement:
• Suited to red loamy, sandy loam, and shallow black soils.
• pH range: 5.0–7.5.
• Not suitable for waterlogged soils.
Stress Tolerance:
• Survives drought better than rice or maize.
• Known as a climate-smart crop for future agriculture.
Ragi Growing Seasons in India
(A) Kharif Season (Rainfed)
• Sowing: June–July (with onset of southwest monsoon).
• Harvest: October–November.
• Importance: Accounts for >70% of total ragi cultivation in India.
• States: Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand.
• Varieties: GPU-28, GPU-45, Indaf-5, Bhai rabi.
(B) Rabi Season (Irrigated)
• Sowing: October–November.
• Harvest: February–March.
• Areas: Canal-irrigated, tank-fed regions.
• States: Tamil Nadu, Southern Karnataka, Rayalaseema (A.P.).
• Varieties: GPU-67, Co (Ra) 14, Paiyur-1, Indaf-9.
(C) Summer Season (Irrigated)
• Sowing: February–March.
• Harvest: May–June.
• States: Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, Salem, Dharmapuri), parts of Karnataka.
• Varieties: Co (Ra) 9, Paiyur-2, VL Mandua 315.
• Importance: Limited area, but ensures continuous grain supply.
Ragi Growing Seasons in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has unique sowing windows based on irrigation and rainfall.
1. Irrigated Cultivation
• Marghazipattam (Dec–Jan):
Practiced in most districts except Kanyakumari & Nilgiris.
• Chithiraipattam (Apr–May):
Another irrigated window for summer ragi, avoids monsoon risks.
2. Rainfed Cultivation
• Adipattam (June–July):
Relies on southwest monsoon.
Varieties: Paiyur 1, CO 13, CO (Ra) 14.
• Puratasipattam (Sept–Oct):
A secondary rainfed season ensuring food availability year-round.
Released Varieties Of Finger Millet Crops (1986 To 2016)
Ragi varieties grown in Tamil Nadu
Conclusion
• Ragi is a nutritious, climate-resilient, and economically important cereal.
• Plays a key role in food and nutritional security in India, especially in
drought-prone Tamil Nadu & Karnataka.
• With proper seasonal adaptation, varietal selection, and irrigation
management, ragi can ensure sustainable farming.
• Its promotion is essential for addressing malnutrition, lifestyle diseases,
and climate change challenges.
References
• [Link]
• [Link]