Explore key concepts and best practices in cultivating little millet, from optimal sowing times to appropriate seed rates. Enhance your understanding of this resilient crop with practical questions suited for beginners.
Which is the most suitable season for sowing little millet in rainfed agricultural regions of India?
Explanation: June to July coincides with the onset of monsoon, providing the necessary moisture for optimal germination and growth. December to January is cooler and unsuitable for most millet varieties. September to October is too late, risking incomplete maturity before cooler weather. March to April typically lacks sufficient rainfall for rainfed millet production.
What is the recommended seed rate per hectare when broadcasting little millet?
Explanation: A seed rate of 8–10 kg per hectare promotes proper crop density and reduces competition among plants. 1–2 kg is insufficient for field establishment, while 20–22 kg and 15–18 kg are excessive and can lead to overcrowding and disease issues.
Little millet performs best when grown in which type of soil?
Explanation: Well-drained loamy soils hold sufficient moisture and nutrients, aiding growth of little millet. Waterlogged clay soils hinder root development, saline-alkaline soils may be toxic, and sandy desert soils lack adequate nutrients and moisture retention.
When sowing little millet by line sowing, what is the optimal spacing between rows?
Explanation: A spacing of 22.5–25 cm between rows ensures adequate aeration and access to sunlight for each plant. 5–7 cm is too close and leads to overcrowding, while 35–40 cm and 50–60 cm waste field space and may reduce yields.
How deep should little millet seeds be sown for proper germination?
Explanation: Sowing seeds at a depth of 2–3 cm helps maintain good seed-to-soil contact and moisture availability. 0.5 cm is too shallow and risks seed exposure, while 5–7 cm and 8–10 cm are too deep, hindering germination and emergence.