Pearl millet gives the highest fodder yield among summer fodder crops. Due to its higher leafiness and juicy nature, it is very palatable and rich in protein. Compared to other fodder crops, it grows faster. It is especially suitable for summer cultivation because it does not contain HCN.

Varieties: Rajka Bajra

Soil and Field Preparation:

Sandy loam soil is best suited for pearl millet. For proper field preparation, 2–3 ploughings should be done to make the soil fine and friable, ensuring good seed germination.

Seed Rate and Sowing:

For fodder purpose, sowing of pearl millet should be done in the last week of March or the first week of April so that fodder is available during the fodder-scarce months of May–June. For pure pearl millet fodder, use 3–4 kg seed per acre and sow in rows keeping a distance of 30 cm between rows. For mixed cropping, use 2–2.5 kg pearl millet seed and 5 kg cowpea seed per acre. Sowing should be done under adequate soil moisture using pora or kera method in such a way that after two rows of pearl millet, one row of cowpea is sown. Maintain a row spacing of 30 cm.

Fertilizer Application: Pearl millet responds well to nitrogen fertilizer. Apply 20 kg nitrogen per acre (43.5 kg urea 46%) at the time of sowing by drilling. Apply another 10 kg nitrogen per acre (22 kg urea 46%) one month after sowing to the standing crop.

Fodder Yield: The crop is ready for fodder harvest 45–50 days after sowing and yields about 400 quintals per hectare. For more nutritious fodder, mixed cultivation of pearl millet and cowpea is recommended.