Demonstration of production potential, value addition and economic benefits of climate resilient crop-fox tail millet (Setaria italica) IN comparison with ragi (Eleusine coracona)

Abstract

Small millets are more nutritious and feature a lower glycaemic index than rice and wheat. However, factors like lack of improved varieties, agronomical practices and value addition in minor millets are constraining the production, productivity and the social economic conditions of farmers. Front line demonstrations on Production Potential and Value Addition of Foxtail Millet was carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramanagara in 30 hectares comprising 80 demos (farmers) in 15 villages of Ramanagara district of Karnataka, India from 2013 to 2017 with the objective of demonstrating the production potential of foxtail millet over finger millet and the importance of value addition in millets apart from analysing the yield gaps. The results of the front line demonstrations revealed that the locally grown finger millet Ragi recorded almost 90 per cent higher yield over demonstrated foxtail millet but the net returns realised at the farm gate level was high for fox tail millet (Rs.48511.3/ha) compared to Ragi (Rs. 42852/ha). It was found that the demonstration enhanced the farmer’s income by increasing benefit: cost ratio to the tune of 5.7 in foxtail millet compared to ragi (2.3). An additional income of Rs.8943/- (42.7 per cent) was obtained in fox tail millet compared to widely grown ragi.