The Complete Guide to Ragi (Finger Millet)

Popular Varieties

• Tirumala (PPR 1012), Saptagiri (PPR 2614), Indravathi (CFMV-1), VR series (VR 520/687/580), PPR 2700, Gosthani (VR 1099), Padmawathi, Maruti, and biofortified lines.
• Choose ANGRAU/ICAR‑IIMR recommended releases for blast resistance, drought tolerance and nutrition.

Detailed Process:

1. Field Clearance: Remove all weeds, stubble, and previous crop residues from the field.
2. Summer Ploughing: Perform one deep plough (20–30 cm) during April–May to conserve moisture and kill soil-borne pests.
3. Harrowing: Conduct 2–3 harrowings or discings to create a fine, smooth seedbed required for small ragi seeds.
4. Land Graded: Ensure the field is well-leveled to prevent water stagnation.
5. Organic Amendment: Incorporate 5–10 t/ha of FYM, compost, or green manure during the final tillage.
6. Drainage Prep: In high-rainfall areas, form raised beds or ridges to facilitate water runoff.
7. Basal Feeding: Apply basal nutrients (40–60 kg N and 20–40 kg P2O5/ha) according to your latest soil test report.

Detailed Process:

1. Variety Selection: Choose high-yielding, blast-resistant types like Tirumala (PPR 1012) or Saptagiri.
2. Verify Source: Buy only from APSSDC, ANGRAU, or NSC-recognized seed dealers.
3. Check Certification: Look for the official tag confirming 80%+ germination and varietal purity.
4. Secure Quantity: Get 4–5 kg/ha for line sowing or 2–3 kg/ha for the SFMI/Guli method.
5. Pre-Sowing Treatment: Treat seeds with fungicides (Thiram) and bio-agents (Azospirillum) to boost establishment.

Detailed Process:

1. Nursery Management: For transplanting, raise seedlings in beds; ensure they are healthy before moving.
2. Seedling Age: Transplant at 18–21 days (or younger if using the SFMI method).
3. Sowing/Transplant Timing: Align with the Kharif monsoon (June–July) for best results.
4. Configuration: Maintain a spacing of 25–30 cm between rows and 10–15 cm between plants.
5. Sowing Depth: If direct sowing, place seeds at a shallow depth of 3–4 cm.
6. Initial Care: Irrigate lightly immediately after transplanting to settle the roots and ensure success.

Detailed Process:

1. Maturity Identification: Harvest when most fingers turn brown and grains become hard and stone-like.
2. Moisture Check: Aim for grain moisture between 15–20% during harvest.
3. Harvesting Method: Cut the ear-heads (panicles) manually or use a reaper; store stalks for fodder.
4. Initial Drying: Sun-dry the harvested ear-heads for 3–4 days on a clean floor.
5. Threshing: Use a mechanical thresher or beat with sticks to separate the tiny grains.
6. Final Conditioning: Dry the grains further until the moisture level is 12–14%.
7. Storage: Store in air-tight bins or pest-proof bags; ragi has an excellent shelf-life if kept dry.