Bajra

Bajra is a coarse cereal grown under some of the harshest farming conditions in India. It is a crop that survives where others would fail, making it vital for the dry, hot tracts of the country.

The crop is sown in hot and dry climatic conditions, specifically in the northwestern and western parts of India. What makes bajra stand out is its hardiness — it is a tough crop that resists frequent dry spells and drought, which are common in this region. Farmers often grow it alone, but it is also a common component of mixed cropping systems.

In terms of area, this coarse cereal occupies about 5.2 per cent of the total cropped area in the country. The leading producers of bajra are the states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Among these, Rajasthan is the largest producer. …