Strengthening Bajra Cultivation in Jaipur and Alwar

To increase the productivity of Bajra, 100 frontline demonstrations in 45 ha of land using hybrid Pioneer 86M90 was conducted on farmer’s field in semi-arid region of Rajasthan to evaluate the economic feasibility of technology transfer and adoption of natural nutrient and pest management. Field Level Demonstration programme was effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of farmer and improved and recommended practices of HYV of Bajra. Adoption of neem oil helped control early-stage pest and fungal attacks.  The difference in per hectare productivity of Bajra between modern practices and traditional practices is estimated to be about 20 percent.

With increase in number of women farmers accepting sustainable bajra cultivation there is remarkable improvement in income of farmers. Reviving and replicating bajra brought in more food and fodder in the villages. It also reconnected households to their traditional culture where bajra is central.