 Introduction:

It is one of the oldest cultivated grains and the most widely grown type of
millet. It’s scientifically known as Pennisetum glaucum.

Bajra, or Pearl Millet, is a critically important coarse grain and the most
widely grown type of millet globally.

In terms of national production for the 2021-22 period, the total area under
Bajra cultivation in India was vast, with a total output in the range of roughly
9 to 10 million tonnes. Among the states, Rajasthan is the primary
contributor, while Maharashtra ranks as a significant producer, contributing
an output of approximately 618.72 thousand tonnes from an area of around
687.5 thousand hectares in the same period. The national average yield sees
considerable variation, but advanced farming techniques in states like
Maharashtra have demonstrated yields up to three times the average,
highlighting the crop’s massive potential in improving agricultural
productivity.

 Origin & Cultivation: Bajra is believed to have originated in Africa

and the Indian subcontinent. It’s renowned for being a remarkably
resilient and drought-tolerant crop, thriving in arid and semi-arid
regions where other cereals might fail.
 A Staple Food: It’s a significant traditional staple food for millions of
people, particularly in parts of Africa and India, where it’s used to make
flatbreads (roti or bhakri), porridges, and other dishes.
 Bajra is major millet among all types of millets
 Types of millets are :

[Link] millet

[Link] millet

[Link] millet

[Link] Millet

[Link] millet

 Comparison of Millets according to Nutritional value:

Millet Calories Carbohydrates Protein Fat(g) Fiber(g)

type (g) (g)
Finger 336 72 7.3 1.3 3.6
millet
Pearl 378 67 11 5.5 8.5
 millet
Foxtail 329-351 60-60.9 12.3 2.8 6.7
millet
Barnyard 300-360 65.5-72 11.2 2.2 10.1
millet
Proso 341-354 70.4-71 11.5 1.3 2.3
millet

 Economic importance:
1. Next to sorghum, pearl millet is important staple food crop of India.
2. It is considered as a poor mans food grain.
3. Among all the millet crops, pearl millet stands firstposition and it
ranks fifth in order of cereal crops.
4. It is nourishing food and its nutritive value isconsidered to be
comparable to the rice and wheat.
 Bajra grain contains
i. Carbohydrates – 67.1 %, ii. Protein – 11.6 %, iii. Fat – 5.0 %, iv Fiber –
1.2%,
v. Minerals- 2.7%, vi Moisture –12.4

The course and study of bsc (Hons) agriculture program was covered
with different aspects of genetic and plant breeding which include
experiential learning program related to module seed production
technology.
 Bajra reasearch stations:
Here are some institutes related to bajra (pearl millet) research and
development in India :
[Link] Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid
Tropics (ICRISAT): Conducts research on pearl millet and other crops
to improve crop productivity and food security in semi-arid regions.
[Link] Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) : A premier
agricultural research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) that focuses on sorghum and other millets, including
pearl millet. IIMR has developed several high-yielding varieties of
millets and provides support to start-ups and entrepreneurs in the
millet industry.
[Link] Agricultural Research Institute (RARI) : Develops
and promotes improved varieties of pearl millet and other crops for the
arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. RARI has released several
high-yielding hybrids and varieties of pearl millet, including RHB-90,
RHB-121, and Raj 171.
 [Link] Agricultural University: Developed the hybrid bajra
variety HHB 67, which has a yield potential of up to 4.5 tons per
hectare.
[Link] Agricultural Research Institute (IARI): Developed the
high-yielding bajra variety Pusa Dwarf 2, which can produce up to 3.5
tons of grain per hectare, and Pusa Dwarf Hybrid 4, which is rich in
protein, iron, and zinc.
[Link] Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU): Has a department
dedicated to forage crops, including bajra, and has been recognized for
its contributions to the development of world-class bajra napier hybrids
and forage resources.

 During the programme we had studied the actual seed production and
technology of bajra. We also gathered information about actual
working in the field . During the module we have done practical work
on hybrid seed production of Bajra. We produced Hybrid seed of Bajra ,
Variety NPH 40+ ( Nirmal Hybrid Bajra ) . During seed production we
studied all the principles i.e sowing method , spacing fertilizer
application,weed management, disease and pest management,
rouging, harvesting and threshing of seed. We gain practical as well as
technical knowledge.

 Objectives of Module

 To provide an opportunity to the student for practical learning about all

aspects. Of quality seed production through work experience.
 Two develop confidence among the students for solving the problem
related to seed production of field crops.
 Processing marketing of seed through Agro-journalism for transfer of
technology among the farmers.
 To help the student to get acquired with various seed industries.
 To provide an opportunity to the students for practical learning in the
field of agriculture.
 To Learn about the seed production programme.
 To monitor various pest disease and their management in seed
production of field crops.
 Students will acquaint with existing marketing chain of seeds and
supply of seed to the farmers.
  Through visiting various commercial seed industries to acquire the
knowledge about seed quality testing processing baging tagging
storage and marketing.
 Last but not the least to make the students as a entrepreneur in future
“A Job Creator” rather than “A Job Seeker”.

 Location
 Farm field of Govt. Collage of Agriculture Nandurbar Dist. Nandurbar.
 Name of department:- Department of Botany
 Area:- 1 acre
 Name of Collage:- Govt. Collage of Agriculture, Nandurbar
 Name of University: Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri

 Module Profile

 Preparation of field
 Seed and Sowing

i)Sowing time ii)Sowing method iii)Seed rate iv)Spacing

 Fertilizer Management
 Irrigation Management
 Intercultural operation
i)Hoeing ii)Weeding
 Insect Pest Control
 Field Inspection
 Harvesting
 Threshing

 Commercial Hybrid Seed Production

During our ELP module we cultivated the hybrid seed

production and technology of Bajra .We have carried out all the technology
and principles of hybrids Seed production technology of bajra but we will do
marketing of produce as grain purpose (not as seed).

 Seed to Grain Production

 Why We Selected Hybrid Seed Production and Technology
of Bajra ?
  Enhancement of grain and fodder yield

 Improvement of quality.

 Increase Resistance to pest and disease

 Increase wider adaptability

 Tolerant to biotic and abiotic stress

 Uniformity and high productivity

 Varieties for new season

 Breeding techniques used for Hybrid seed production of Bajra :

The Following techniques are used for Hybrid seed production
of bajra .

1)Introduction :Introduction is a plant breeding method that

involves introducing a new plant or a group of plants from one
geographic location to another for cultivation.
Eg. Hybrid bajra from Punjab. Tift 23 A from US
2)Selection : Selective breeding, is a process where humans
choose parent plants or animals with specific, desirable traits to
reproduce and create offspring with those same characteristics
Eg .Pure line selection : Co 2, Co 3, 3)Hybridisation
and selection :Hybridization is a breeding method where two
genetically different organisms are crossed to combine desirable
traits, resulting in a hybrid offspring.
4)Interspecific hybridisation.-the mating between
individuals of two different species, usually from the same genus,
to create hybrid offspring that combine desirable traits from both
 parents. Eg. . Pennisetum glaucum x [Link] Cumbu
napier hybrids.
5)Pedigree Method: For resistance breeding (disease,
insect ) The pedigree method is a plant breeding technique that
involves selecting individual plants with desirable traits in each
generation Annd maintaining a detailed record of their parent-progeny
relationships. This method, which is commonly used for self-pollinating
crops, allows breeders to trace the inheritance of traits and develop
pure lines by meticulously tracking each plant’s ancestry over several
generations.
6) Bulk method: for stress situations ( drought, cold, heat )
The “bulk method” is a plant breeding technique for self-pollinating
crops where hybrid generations are harvested in bulk for several
generations, allowing natural selection to act on the population before
individual plants are finally selected and evaluated.
7) Back cross method: The backcross method is a plant
breeding technique used to transfer a specific desirable gene, like
disease resistance, from one parent to another, often a high-yielding
but otherwise inferior variety

 Technical Information about Hybrid Bajra used for Module

Purpose :

Release year 2004

Name of institute Nirmal Seeds [Link]
Soil type Well drained, fertile Loamy &
clay soil
Climate Bajra is tropical crop so
require warm and dry climate.
Avg. Temp:- 26 -32 ⁰C
[Link] :-500mm
Sowing time June to July
Seed rate (Per acre ) Seed rate :-1.5 to 2 kg / acre
Crop duration 75 to 80 DAS
Productivity 8 to 12 quintal / acre
i.e 20 Qtl /Ha

 Characteristics Feature of NPH 40+

 Non bristled compact
 long earheads
 Stay green fodder
 Highly tolerant to downy mildew disease
  Recommended for kharif & early summer (January sowing)
seasons

 Input Used for Field Preparation And Maintenance :-

[Link]. Tools and Price

equipments
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

 Working period

 Date of Registration: Registration of these Experimental

Learning Programm is Done on 26/05/2025 And we had
alloted SRP EL -BOT -407 Module in which we will learn
seed production and technology.

 Alloted Module Course:- SRP – EL – BOT – 407

 Title of Module :- Seed Production and Technology

 Credits :- 10(0+10) 8 credits for Botany , 1 credit for

Agronomy, 1 credit for Economics

 Total working period :- The period of module is 24 Weeks i.e

6 months

 Summery of Actual Work Performed

 Firstly we selected the land area for seed production of bajra.

 Then we decided to carry out all operation under the supervision
of Dr.S.U Borale sir ( Associate professor of Botany )And Dr. P.N
Jogdande sir( Assistant professor of Botany)
  We decided that the seed production of Bajra will be carried out
on 1 Acre (0.40 guntas) area of Agriculture Botany Field .

 Isolation Requirement
The crop raised for seed production should be separated from
other fields of the same crop species by a minimum distance,
which varies from one crop to the other.
This distance is known as isolation distance. Bajra is
predominantly a cross pollinating crop and crossing occurs easily
. The seed crop must be sufficiently isolated from nearby field of
the same crop as per the requirements of certification standards.
For Bajra hybrid seed production 1000m distance for foundation
seed and 200m distance for certified seed production is
maintained.
Isolation is essential to prevent pollination from unwanted pollen
in the case of cross-pollinated and often cross-pollinated species
and to avoid mechanical mixture.

 Preparation of field
[Link]:-
Initially we brought the soil to fine tilth by deep
ploughing with the help of tractor drawn plough. Ploughing is an
essential practice done before sowing of seeds. This helps in
loosening and turning of the soil. This allows the roots to
penetrate deep into the soil. The roots can also breathe easily as
loosened soil helps in better aeration. The loosened soil helps in
the growth of earthworm and microbes present in the soil. These
are friends of farmer as they add humus and easily turn the loose
soll upside down.
2. Bund Cleaning:
Firstly we cleaned the bund from selected area for
hybrid seed production. We cleaned the bund from all four sides
of selected area with the help of sickle, spade etc. All the weeds
and other plant present on bunds should be removed for easy
cultural operation and to avoid contamination from other crop
seed and weed seed.
[Link] Collection:
We collected the stubbles of previous crops from the
selected area. This practice is done to avoid contamination
during seed production.
 [Link] of Crop Residues and Stubbles:
Crop residues and stubbles are burnt after
collection. This practice is done to avoid contamination and
reduce weed intensity.

[Link] of Rotavator:-
After breaking of hard pan of soil to pulverise soil we
use rotavator. Rotavator is used to crush or break big clods of soil
to improve soil health. Rotavator used a set of blades that spin
and break through soil. This improves drainage, levels the area
and makes the ground perfect for growing vegetable plants and
crops.

 Required Seeds and Sowing :-

1. Selection of Variety : we obtained truthfull seeds of Nirmal

variety ( NPH 40+ ) for sowing in seed production plot
2. Sowing of seeds : Seeds are sown by Tractor drawn seed
drill and Also bullock Drawn seed drill.
3. Seed rate : 1.5-2 kg / Acre i.e 4-5 kg / Ha
4. Spacing : Spacing it's followed to facilitate closer look at
individual plants in order to provide sufficient water, nutrients,
sunlight,etc. proper plant spacing also helps in disease and weed
management
We sown the Bajra seed in following parameters
Row to row = 45 cm
Plant to plant = 15 cm i e (45×15 cm)
Sowing depth = 3 to 5 cm
5. Sowing Date :- 17 July 2025 (Delayed due to unfavourable
climatic conditions)
1st Sowing is done by Bullock Drawn Seed Drill on 17 July 2025
2nd Sowing is done by Tractor Drawn Seed Drill on 23 July 2025
(Uneven rainfall received)

 Fertilizer Requirement & Application :

Fertilizers are additional substances applied to crops for better
germination and plant growth. It helps to increase yield and
 supply essential nutrients to plants. The recommended dose of
hybrid Bajra is 40:20:20 NPK/ha.( For these region According to
Krishi Darshani)
At the time of sowing we applied SSP and Urea Along mixing with
seeds by driller.
Half dose of Urea has been applied as basal dose And remaining
Half dose given as Top dressing.

 Intercultural operation
i)Hoeing:
After application of frequent irrigation the soil becomes
hard which may affect the aeration and water supply to roots.
Therefore hoeing is done to ensure better aeration of soil and
water can easily reach the roots.
ii)Weeding:
 We completed one weeding for control of weeds after 25-
30 of sowing.
 We controlled entire weeds by hand weeding method.
 Good weed control is basic requirement in production of
quality seed.
 Weeds always compete with the main main crop for
moisture, nutrient, sunlight.
 Weed is also host for some insect pest there is also effect
on quality of seeds.
 There are some noxious weeds i.e congress grass, hariyali,
lavala.

 Field Inspection
Field inspection is a necessary monitoring protocol
and is a prerequisite to ensure quality seed production. It
involves recording of progress, quality, cultivar identification,
crop purity, disease incidence, previous crop and rouging details.
We carried out 3 field inspection at different growth stages of
seed production.
1)1st Field Inspection:- Before Flowering
2)2nd Field Inspection: During Flowering
3)3rd Field Inspection:- At maturity
i) 1st Field Inspection:
 We made first inspection before flowering stage
preferably withing 30 days after sowing to determine isolation,
volunteer plants, outcross plants, planting ratio and any error in
planting.
ii) 2nd Field Inspection:
We made second field inspection during flowering stage
to check isolation, off types, disease and other relevant factors.
iii) 3rd Field Inspection:
We made third field inspection during maturing stage
in order to determine the incidence of any disease and to verify
the nature of plant.
 Harvesting :
 The Selected Nirmal bajra Hybrid requires 75-85 Days to Mature .
 Maturity of Grains:-
1) The grain reach the hard dough stage or moisture % of the
grain 15 – 20 %.
2) Grains give cracking sound when crushed under teeth.
3) Yellowing and drying of the older leaves
 Harvesting is done by cutting the the ear head first and cutting
down Plants later.
 The ear head after harvesting are sun dried at the threshing
floor for 10- 20 days.

 Procedure done for Drying :

 After harvesting the Bajra earheads was carried to a drying area
to dry in sun for few days.
 Drying of seed to recommended moisture level of 12-14% is
maintained to preserve its vigour.
 Ensure that the drying yard should be clean and free from any
other crop seeds.

 Procedure Done for Threshing :

 Threshing is the operation of separating the grains from the
plants. These operations may be carried out in the field or on the
threshing floor, by hand or with the help of animals or machines.
 Care must be taken during threshing operation to avoid chance
of mechanical mixture.
 Threshing yard should be well cleaned.
 Thresher should be free from other crop seed or other variety of
Bajra.
 We carried out threshing by mechanical means i.e Thresher
Machine.
Threshed grain is cleaned and dried in the sun to bring the
moisture 14% for safe storage.

 Seed Yield
 Tentative Yield : 8-10 Qtl/Ha ( According to our package and
practises our yield should me approximately 8-10 Qtl /Ha
 Actual Yield : 60 kg *
 We had carried out all the preventive measures to protect our
crop from pest and diseases. But due to unfavourable climatic
conditions, uneven rainfall, other pests the module yield got high
amount of loss in yield i.e. Grains ,fodder , thus therefore actual
Yield is much less than the Average / expected yield as per the
hybrid.
 Seed Storage
 For safe storage of grain (consumption), the moisture content
should be brought down to 12-14%.
 For Long-Term/Seed Storage: If you are storing the bajra for use
as seed, you should aim for an even lower moisture content of 8-
10%.

 Problem faced
 Weed infestation
 Unfavourable climatic conditions
 Heavy rainfall and uneven showers received during crop growth
period and that is responsible for yield losses.
 Attack of wild animals ( uncontrolled cows, buffaloes the civilized
pigs caused severe yield losses.

 Steps to overcome the problem

 Proper weed management should be carried out.
 Fencing will help to keep wild animals away.
 Make some arrangements that will help to prevent the entry of
non insect pests.
 Thus , Our major losses are due to rainfall and pests we can
manage the biotic calamities such as pest insects,animals,etc.
we can also manage abiotic or natural factors such as rainfall By
prediction of rainfall .
 Future Line of Work
 In future much more Attention towards seed production efforts
are directed as compared to commercial grain production. As
there is good price to seed than grain.
 Emphasis should gone to Carry out the organic seed production
program. Seed production should be eco-friendly.
 In future by learning the seed production techniques we can
conduct seed production of other field crops also like onion,
soybean, chickpea etc.
 Seed production program is to be taken not only for the purpose
of earning money but also as a part of research and extension of
farmers.
 Development of various package practices essential for the seed
production programme by using recommended package and
practises so as to maintain the ecological balance at a pre
planned level.
 Produce good quality and make available to farmers during
sowing season this will help to increase the farmer yield and save
the farmer time.

 Conclusion
 During working in module SRP-ELP- BOT -407 seed production
and technology we learn in detail about actual seed production.
 As we learn everything related to agriculture in 3 years
theoretically this module help us to learn practically what’s going
on the farm of cereals, pulses and other agronomical important
crops.
 We get platform to implement our theoretical knowledge
practically in the farm.
 Seed production module not only teaches us the various practical
operation going on farm but also it help to develop technical skill
during work on field.
 The module clearly shows us the importance of seed production
than the commercial grain production.
 It is essential in rural areas and make it easily available to farmer
to save the time and money of farmer and increase their
production.
 Student Comment
 I got the detailed information about seed production. I also got to
know what precautions should be taken for maintaining seed plot. I
got the experience about the seed pruduction. I have developed
technical skill during work with seed production.
 This module has built a confidence in me so that I can work
voluntarily in field.
 The module period was successful with a lot of fun in performing
and enjoying the work. We worked in module (Seed Production) very
sincerely and our aim is to make the module profitable and
successful.
 Both our professors gave us the practical knowledge and experience
that is needed to sharpen skills and develop technical knowledge
about seed production.
 I acknowledge the efforts made by our professors and students to
make the module successful confidently.