ABSTRACT
SHAKTI KHAJURIA*, A. K. RAI, B. S. KHADDA, RAJ KUMAR, and J. K. JADAV
ICAR-CIAH, KVK-Panchmahal, Vejalpur, Godhra 389340, India
*Corresponding author. E-mail: shaktikhajuria@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Pearl millet is an annual grass belonging to the family Poaceae. Pearl millet is a valuable feed and fodder for livestock. Livestock provides draught power, rural transport, manure, fuel, milk, and meat. Most often, livestock is the only source of cash income for subsistence farms and also serves as insurance in the event of crop failure. Further, global energy crisis will lead to utilization of livestock-based bioenergy as well as waste recycling for organic manure and organic forage production for quality animal products. The yield of bajra with improved cultural practices is nearly 30-35 quintals of grain and about 100 quintals of dry stover from a hectare of crop under irrigated conditions. It is high in protein and energy and low in fiber and lignin concentration. Crude protein can range from 9% to 11% in unfertilized soils to 14% to 15% under nitrogen-fertilized conditions. Bajra has a high potential for accumulating toxic levels of nitrate. It is best to avoid grazing younger plants and to avoid overgrazing. Droughty or cold weather can stress plants and increase nitrate levels.
