More ragi with less water: Online programme to promote ‘Guli Ragi’ cultivation on September 23
Kisan Mall is hosting an online training program on September 23 to promote the 'Guli Ragi' pit cultivation method for finger millet. This technique helps farmers increase yields and optimize water usage, which is critical during periods of water scarcity.
Why it matters
Adopting water-efficient agricultural practices is essential for food security in regions facing climate-driven water shortages.
Kisan Mall, in association with Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture, will be organising an online training programme on September 23 to popularise ‘Guli Ragi’ method of cultivation to enhance the yield of ragi, or finger millet.
Most farmers harvest only around 15 quintals of ragi for every acre despite adoption of high-yielding varieties and use of fertilisers. However, farmers in parts of Haveri district have been successfully practising a unique method of ragi cultivation, known as ‘Guli Ragi’ or the pit system, and harvest around 20 quintals per acre.
The Guli Ragi method, a form of finger millet intensification, differs from conventional ragi cultivation. According to Kisan Mall: “Under this method, young ragi seedlings are transplanted at wider and uniform spacing, with plants established in pits or designated planting points. The method is reported to help improve crop establishment, optimise the use of water and nutrients, and enhance yields.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in