Pearl Millet

Pearl millet is an annual grass that grows up to about 3 meters tall, with a robust root system. As global demand for pearl millet continues to rise, the export of this grain from South Africa has significantly increased, with tonnes of millet being shipped each year. Known for its numerous health and medicinal benefits, pearl millet is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. As a result, the export of pearl millet from South Africa is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. South African pearl millet exporters are seeing substantial revenue from these exports to various countries. With its growing demand, pearl millet export is now a promising business opportunity for food exporters.

1. Giant Bajra
The Giant Bajra variety of Pearl Millet is recommended for cultivation across all Bajra-growing regions. It is a leafy variety with abundant tillering and contains 9-10% protein at the boot stage. This variety is moderately resistant to downy mildew and ergot diseases.

2. Raj Bajra Chari-2
Raj Bajra Chari-2 is another variety of Pearl Millet, suitable for cultivation throughout the Bajra-growing regions. It offers a green fodder yield of approximately 30-45 t/ha and is resistant to foliar diseases and insect pests. During the ear emergence stage, the internodes are fully enclosed in the leaf sheath, and the leaves are broad and shiny.

3. APFB-2
The APFB-2 variety of Pearl Millet is recommended for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. It is an early-maturing, non-lodging, and fertilizer-responsive variety, ideally suited for summer and early Kharif sowings. The plants grow to a height of 160-180 cm and yield about 25 t/ha of green fodder.

4. PCB-164
Developed by PAU, Ludhiana, from five late-maturing lines, the PCB-164 variety of Pearl Millet is released and recommended for cultivation in the north-western regions of South Africa.

5. Avika Bajra Chari (AVKB-19)
The Avika Bajra Chari, also known as AVKB-19, is recommended for cultivation in western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. This dual-purpose variety yields 36.7 t/ha of green fodder, 8.8 t/ha of dry fodder, and 10.2 q/ha of seed.

6. Narendra Chara Bajra-2 (NDFB-2)
Developed by NDUA&T, Faizabad, the Narendra Chara Bajra-2 variety is suitable for cultivation in pearl millet-growing regions of the north-east zone, particularly in salt-affected soils.

7. FBC-16
The FBC-16 variety of Pearl Millet is recommended for cultivation in the entire north-west region of South Africa. This multi-cut variety is resistant to major diseases and features low oxalate concentrations, ensuring higher voluntary dry matter intake by animals. It yields between 70-80 t/ha of green fodder.

8. TNSC-1
The TNSC-1 variety of Pearl Millet was bred by TNAU, Coimbatore, and recommended for cultivation in the entire Bajra-growing region in 1995. It offers a green fodder yield of 27-40 t/ha and is resistant to foliar diseases and insect pests.