Project Report of 1-Acre Proso Millet Cultivation: Cost, Profit Analysis, and Production Economics

The cultivation of proso millet, a versatile and nutritious grain, has gained attention due to its potential economic benefits. This study explores the economics of cultivating proso millet on a 1-acre land, focusing on its profitability. By examining input costs, market demand, and potential revenue streams, this analysis aims to provide insights into the financial viability of proso millet cultivation.

Project Report of 1-Acre Proso Millet Cultivation

What is ‘Proso Millet Cultivation?

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a cereal crop primarily grown for its grain, commonly cultivated in Asia and North America. This warm-season grass has a short growing period and requires minimal moisture, making it suitable for regions where other grain crops may struggle. With an average height of 1.2-1.5 m, proso millet has simple, hairy leaves and slender panicles with solitary spikelets.

Its small, smooth grains are typically oval, measuring about 3 mm x 2 mm, and often white. Although proso millet is primarily grown for its grain, it also yields sufficient plant material to be considered a forage crop. However, compared to millet varieties like foxtail millet (Setaria italica), proso millet has a lower leaf-to-stem ratio, resulting in lower forage quality.

Market and Demand for Proso Millet

The market demand for proso millet, a versatile cereal crop, is significant and continues to grow steadily. Proso millet has gained popularity due to its nutritional value and suitability for various culinary applications. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for proso millet production and consumption has been positive, indicating a promising market outlook. This steady growth rate reflects the increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits and the expanding market demand for alternative and gluten-free grains.

Best High-Yielding Variety for Proso Millet Cultivation

Various states have released several proso millet varieties with high yield potential tailored to their specific agro-climatic conditions. Tamil Nadu, recommended varieties include Co-5, TNAU 151, TNAU 164, TNAU 145, TNAU 202, CO 4, K2, CO 3, CO 2, GPUP 21, and GPUP 8. Uttarakhand suggests PRC 1, TNAU 145, 164, 151, and CO 4. Karnataka recommends GPUP 8, GPUP 21, TNAU 145, and 164.

Bihar suggests BR-7, TNAU 164, 145, and PR 18. Andhra Pradesh recommends Sagar, Nagarjuna, CO 4, and CO 3. These varieties have been carefully selected and developed to thrive in their respective states, ensuring optimal yield and performance in local agricultural conditions.

Best Package and Practices for Proso Millet Cultivation/Farming

Climatic Requirements

Proso millet is predominantly cultivated during the Kharif (rainy) and summer seasons in India. It exhibits high drought resistance and can thrive in regions with limited rainfall. Additionally, proso millet can tolerate some degree of water stagnation. It is a hardy crop with a relatively short life cycle, allowing for quicker harvests and rotations.

Soil Requirements

Proso millet can be cultivated in a wide range of soils, including fertile and poor. The soil texture can vary from sandy loam to clay, except coarse sands, which are unsuitable for proso millet cultivation. Well-drained or sandy loam soils with good water-holding capacity and organic matter content are ideal for optimal growth.

Field Preparation

After the previous crop’s harvest, the field should be plowed to expose the soil to sunlight and enhance moisture retention. With the onset of the monsoon, the land should be harrowed multiple times and finally leveled. If proso millet is grown during summer, one irrigation should be provided before land preparations.

Once the soil is in suitable working conditions, the seedbed should be prepared by harrowing or plowing the land three times, followed by planking. Proso millet requires a finely tilted, clean seedbed, but deep plowing is unnecessary due to its shallow root system.

Seed and Sowing

The seeds can be treated with thiamethoxam 25 WDG at 4 g/kg to control shoot fly infestation. In the rainy season, proso millet is typically sown with the onset of monsoon, preferably in July. In TN and Andhra Pradesh, it is sown in September-October, while in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it is sown in mid-March to mid-May as an irrigated catch crop. Proso millet is mainly cultivated in central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, western Bihar, the northeastern states, and Andhra Pradesh.

In case you missed it: 1-Acre Foxtail Millet Farming Cost and Profit Analysis: Cultivation Economics and Production Project Report

Time and Method of Sowing

As a Kharif crop, proso millet should be sown in the first fortnight of July, coinciding with the onset of monsoon rains. As a summer crop, it should be sown in February or March, immediately after the rabi crop harvest. Broadcasting or line sowing using seed drills in furrows 3-4 cm deep are common.

Spacing and Seed Rate

Maintaining a row-to-row distance of 22.5 cm and a plant-to-plant distance of 10 cm is recommended. Line sowing is preferred as it improves germination, reduces seed requirement, and facilitates intercultural operations compared to broadcasting. The recommended seed rate is 10 kg/ha for line sowing and 15 kg/ha for broadcasting.

Manures and Fertilizers

Proso millet requires relatively fewer nutrients than other cereals due to its short duration. Under irrigated conditions, the general fertilizer recommendations are 40-60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5, and 20 kg K2O per hectare. Half of the nitrogen and the entire amount of phosphorus and potash should be Given as a basal dose at the time of sowing.

The remaining nitrogen should be applied during the first irrigation. For rainfed conditions, fertilizer doses are halved. Organic manure, if available, can be added to the soil at a rate of 4 to 10 tons per hectare about a month before sowing. The recommended fertilizer ratios vary across different states.

Water Management

Kharif season proso millet generally does not require irrigation except when a prolonged dry spell occurs during the tillering stage. Depending on soil type and climatic conditions, summer crops may require two to four irrigations. The first irrigation should be given 25-30 days after sowing, and the second should follow approximately 40-45 days after sowing. Excessive irrigation is not advisable due to the proso millet’s shallow root system.

Weed Control

Hand weeding is recommended for the removal of broadleaf weeds. Common grassy weeds include Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Dactyloctenium Egyptian, Elusine indica, Setaria glauca, Cynodon dactylon, Phragmites karka, Cyperus rotundus. Broadleaf weeds include Celosia argentia, Commelina benghalensis, Phyllanthus niruri, Solanum nigrum, and Amaranthus viridis.

Cropping Systems

Intercropping proso millet with a green gram in a 2:1 ratio is commonly practiced in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In western Bihar, a profitable cropping sequence involves potatoes and proso millet.

Insect Pests and Management

Shoot fly is the most serious pest affecting proso millet, leading to significant yield losses. Early sowing with the onset of monsoon is an effective and cost-efficient control measure. Seed treatment with thiamethoxam 25 WDG and applying Carbofuran (Furadon) 3G granules in furrows before sowing is recommended.

Diseases and Management

Head smut is a common disease in proso millet, characterized by elongated and thickened panicles. Treating seeds with organo-mercurial compounds like Ceresan or using hot water treatment can help reduce the incidence of head smut.

Harvesting and Threshing

Proso millet is typically harvested 65-75 days after sowing when the crop matures. Harvesting should be done when approximately two-thirds of the seeds have matured. Threshing can be done manually or using bullocks.

Cost of Cultivation for 1-Acre Proso Millet Cultivation/Farming

The components included in the cost of cultivation for proso millet farming typically consist of land preparation, seeds, fertilizers, manures, irrigation, weed control, insect pest control, disease management, harvesting and threshing, and miscellaneous expenses.

Components	Cost (INR)
Land Preparation	1,500-2,000
Seeds	500-800
Fertilizers	3,000-4,000
Manures	500-1,000
Irrigation	1,000-1,500
Weed Control	500-1,000
Insect Pest Control	500-1,000
Disease Management	500-1,000
Harvesting and Threshing	2,000-3,000
Miscellaneous Expenses	1,000-1,500
Total Cost	15,000-17,000

Total Returns and Net from 1Acre Proso Millet Cultivation/Farming

Total Returns and Net from 1-Acre Proso Millet Cultivation

Yield: 20 to 25 quintals (1 quintal = 100 kg)
Price per quintal: Rs. 9,200
Cost of cultivation: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,000

Total Returns

Minimum yield: 20 quintals x Rs. 9,200 = Rs. 1,84,000
Maximum yield: 25 quintals x Rs. 9,200 = Rs. 2,30,000

Net Profit

Net profit = Total Returns – Cost of Cultivation
Minimum net profit: Rs. 1,84,000 – Rs. 17,000 = Rs. 1,67,000
Maximum net profit: Rs. 2,30,000 – Rs. 15,000 = Rs. 2,15,000

Challenges and Risks in Proso Millet Cultivation/Farming

Proso millet cultivation faces several challenges and risks. These include unpredictable weather patterns, pests and diseases, market price fluctuations, limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers, and the need for specialized equipment. Additionally, farmers may need help finding reliable buyers and more awareness about the crop’s nutritional benefits, leading to lower demand.

In case you missed it: Effective Strategies for Millet Disease Prevention, Treatment, and Control

Conclusion

1-acre proso millet cultivation holds economic potential, possibly achieving profitable returns. By considering factors such as yield, market demand, cost of cultivation, and proper management of challenges and risks, farmers can unlock the profitability of proso millet farming and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Project Report of 1-Acre Proso Millet Cultivation: Cost, Profit Analysis, and Production Economics