RA 00110.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

promising sources of resistance: Serere 2A-9-2-27-9-8-1, Serere 2A-9-2-27-9-5-2, inbred 5258-1-19-4-5-2,
inbred 5258-1-19-1, and 3/4 HK-2-2. Experience indicates that both field trials in Striga-sick plots and
screening under controlled conditions in pots should be carried out. Progress in identification of resistance
sources has been slow and future research considerations to solve the Striga problem should include
collaborative basic studies on the biology of Striga and research in the field, involving scientists from several
disciplines.
Pearl Millet as a Crop for Intensive Agriculture
Pearl Millet Cultivation in Tamil Nadu
(Culture du mil au Tamil Nadu)
V. Subramaniam
Joint Director of Agriculture, State Seed Farm, Chepauk, Madras, Tamil Nadu 600 005, India
Pearl millet cultivation is mostly confined to Chengalpattu, South Arcot, North Arcot, Thirunelveli, Madurai,
Trichy, and the Pudukottai disticts of Tamil Nadu. In this state, the area under pearl millet cultivation has
changed according to seasonal factors. However, there is a long-term decreasing trend. The human consumption
pattern in the state is changing rapidly towards rice rather than coarse grain cereals such as pearl millet,
and this is a contributory factor in the decline.
The area under pearl millet cultivation has decreased from 1970-71 to 1983-84, by over 38% in total area and
50% in irrigated area. Although, there was some improvement in the yield of the irrigated crop during the
1970s because of the introduction of hybrids, there is a decreasing trend in yield in the 1980s. Production also
shows a decreasing trend over the years. Details of area, production and yield from 1970-71 to 1983-84 are
presented.
The decreasing trend in area and production may be mainly attributed to the poor returns from the pearl
millet cultivation compared to competing crops such as sorghum, groundnut, and gingelly. The cultivation of
pearl millet is economical under irrigated conditions, but the risks, such as downy mildew attack have
discouraged farmers.
The demand for human consumption of pearl millet is rapidly going down and alternative demand for pearl
millet should be explored. At present, there is an increasing trend in utilization of pearl millet for cattle and
poultry feed in Tamil Nadu. As yet there is no proper research or specific recommendations for pearl millet as
cattle and poultry feed. Any innovations in utilization of the crop as animal feed will help increase local
demand for pearl millet. The scope for exporting to neighboring States also needs to be explored.
The risks involved in cultivation from pests and diseases have to be overcome by the introduction of
resistant cultivars. Composites and synthetic varieties bred by ICRISAT, such as WC-C75 and ICMS 7703
have, no doubt, sustained the cultivation of pearl millet in the state. However, their yields are lower than
hybrids, which are, however, susceptible to attack by downy mildew. The release of downy mildew-resistant
hybrids may brighten the prospects of the crop in Tamil Nadu.
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