Climate-Resilient Crops for a Sustainable Future: The Promising Case of Minor Millets in Tamil Nadu Irrigated Modernization Project (TNIAMP)

Abstract

This study integrated continuous data on the impact of the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins of Tamil Nadu and correlated it with the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins cultivated under the TNIAMProject. In this study, minor millet crops such as foxtail millet, ragi, finger millet, and varagu were introduced in fourteen sub-basins and their yield was carefully collected. This included all parts of Tamil Nadu. This study investigated the suitability of different sub-basins for crop diversification by exploring matching management practices with respective yield potentials. In this study, it was recorded that the yield was more than 3000 kg per acre in the sub-basins of Nagarai River, Lower Vellaru, Pambar River, Krishnagiri, Lower Bhavani, Varaha River, Cauvery River, and Lower Tamirabarani. This has also increased the area under cultivation in these sub-basins. The study found that the area and yield of minor millets in the sub-basins of Tamil Nadu have increased significantly under the TNIAMProject. This is attributed to the input subsidy and technological interventions provided under the project. The study recommends that the excess yield of minor millets caused by the TNIAMProject should be converted into value-added products and documented for sale in the respective areas. This will help to increase the income of farmers and promote the cultivation of minor millets.