Millets

The Complete Guide to Jowar (Sorghum)

Unlock the potential of this drought-resistant superfood for grain and fodder.

Jowar Field

Introduction

Popular Varieties / Hybrids

  • Hybrids: CSH 14, CSH 16, CSH 25, CSH 30, CSH 35, CSH 41 (high-yielding Kharif hybrids).
  • Varieties: CSV 15, CSV 17, CSV 20, CSV 27, CSV 31 (Palamuru Jonna), CSV 36, CSV 39; state-specific: SiA 3088, SiA 3156, Lepakshi, Narasimharaya, PS 4, NTJ-5.

Step 1: Soil Preparation

Jowar adapts to diverse soils but prefers well-drained conditions. Ideal: sandy loam to loamy, red/chalka soils for Kharif and medium/deep black soils for Rabi. pH range 5.5–8.5.

Detailed Process:

  1. Debris Removal: Clear the field of all weeds, old stubble, and crop residues.
  2. Primary Tillage: Plough the field 2–3 times, ensuring one deep plough (20–30 cm) to break the hardpan.
  3. Surface Refinement: Use a harrow to break clods and achieve a fine tilth.
  4. Drainage Planning: In rainfed Kharif, prepare raised beds or ridges to ensure proper drainage.
  5. Moisture Retention: Incorporate 5–10 t/ha of FYM or compost during the final ploughing to improve soil water-holding capacity.
  6. Seedbed Levelling: Level the field precisely for uniform sowing and moisture access.
  7. Basal Nutritional Support: Apply basal fertilizers (typically 60–80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, 40 kg K2O/ha) as per soil test recommendations.

Step 2: Sourcing Seeds

Certified seeds ensure vigorous growth and pest resistance. Buy from trusted agricultural corporations.

Detailed Process:

  1. Variety Selection: Choose hybrids (CSH series) or varieties (CSV series) suited to your season (Kharif/Rabi).
  2. Source Verification: Purchase from APSSDC, ANGRAU centers, or NSC-certified dealers.
  3. Quality Assurance: Check for a certified tag with at least 80% germination and high purity.
  4. Seed Calculation: Secure 7–10 kg of seed per hectare for hybrids.
  5. Protection Treatment: Treat seeds with fungicides (Thiram) and insecticides (Imidacloprid) to prevent shoot fly and early diseases.

Step 3: Sowing (Transplanting)

Uniform spacing and correct sowing depth are vital for achieving the target plant population.

Detailed Process:

  1. Timing Alignment: Sow in late June–July for Kharif or mid-Sept–Nov for Rabi.
  2. Sowing Technique: Use a seed drill or dibbling method for even distribution.
  3. Depth Control: Ensure seeds are placed 4–6 cm deep in the soil.
  4. Spacing Standard: Maintain 40–45 cm between rows and 12–15 cm between individual plants.
  5. Thinning Protocol: Sow 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to 1 healthy plant after 10–15 days of emergence.
  6. Critical Moisture: If dry during germination, provide a light 'life-saving' irrigation if available.

Step 4: Harvesting

Proper harvesting and drying stages are essential to maintain grain quality and prevent storage losses.

Detailed Process:

  1. Maturity Identification: Harvest when grains harden and the outer glumes turn straw-coloured.
  2. Moisture Target: Aim for 15–20% moisture at the time of harvesting.
  3. Harvesting Method: Cut panicles manually or use a combine harvester; cut at the base if fodder is also needed.
  4. Field Drying: Spread panicles in the sun for 3–4 days before threshing.
  5. Threshing: Employ a mechanical thresher to separate the grains.
  6. Final Drying: Dry the separated grains until the moisture level reaches 12–14%.
  7. Storage Management: Store in clean, dry, pest-proof gunny bags or modern silos.

Follow ANGRAU/ICAR recommendations: implement IPM for shoot fly and stem borer (scouting, neem, targeted insecticides), use pre-emergent herbicides or timely hoeing for weed control, split N application, and adopt moisture-conserving practices. Contact local DAATTC or agriculture officer for the latest region-specific advice.

Pro Tip: Dual Purpose

When selecting varieties, consider if you need high grain yield or high biomass for fodder. Multi-cut varieties are excellent for continuous fodder supply.