Improved Recommendations for Fodder Bajra
Fodder bajra — sowing, cutting and livestock feeding guide.
Key points Among summer fodders, bajra often gives the highest yield. Leafy and juicy stems make it palatable and protein-rich. It grows quickly and is especially useful in summer because it does not contain HCN. Improved variety Rajka Bajra. Soil and field preparation Sandy loam is ideal. Give 2–3 ploughings for a fine tilth and good germination. Seed rate and sowing Sow late March or early April so green fodder is available in the May–June lean period. For pure fodder stand use 3–4 kg seed/acre in 30 cm rows. For mixed cropping with cowpea, use about 2–2.5 kg bajra + 5 kg cowpea per acre, alternating rows at 30 cm. Sow with pora/kera into adequate moisture. Fertilizer Drill about 20 kg N/acre (≈43.5 kg urea) at sowing and top-dress 10 kg N/acre (≈22 kg urea) one month later. Fodder yield Ready in about 45–50 days with potential around 400 q/ha under good management. Mixed bajra–cowpea stands improve fodder nutrition.