Assessment of Small Millets-based Cropping Systems by Utilizing Kharif Fallow and Wastelands in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Satna district in Madhya Pradesh faces significant challenges with large areas of kharif fallow lands, primarily due to rainfed conditions and erratic, uneven rainfall distribution. This leads to low cropping intensity, reduced food grain production, and underutilization of cultivable wastelands. To address this, an on-farm testing (OFT) study was conducted to evaluate small millets-based Cropping systems as viable options for enhancing productivity, profitability, and resource use efficiency. The trial comprised three treatments: T1 - Kharif Fallow lands/Wastelands (control); T2 - Kodo millet (TNAU 86) followed by Linseed (JLS 66); and T3 - Finger millet (Indira Ragi 1) followed by Linseed (JLS 66). Conducted during 2020-21 across 10 farmers' fields in Naugawan and Shahpur villages of Majhgawan block, the study demonstrated the superiority of millet-based sequences. The Kodo millet-Linseed system achieved the highest system productivity of 20.50 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹, profitability of ₹460.02 ha⁻¹day⁻¹, net returns of ₹101,205 ha⁻¹, and a Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio of 2.98. The Finger millet-Linseed Cropping system followed closely with 20.01 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ productivity, ₹443.87 ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ profitability, net returns of ₹ 94,942 ha⁻¹, and B:C ratio of 2.91. These cropping systems not only utilize fallow lands effectively but also provide climate-resilient, nutritious produce. Kodo millet-Linseed emerged as the most feasible sequence for productivity and economic viability, followed by Finger millet-Linseed. Adoption of such systems can significantly contribute to food, nutritional, and livelihood security in rainfed regions while promoting sustainable agriculture.