NEWS – Ragi (finger millet) cultivation in Karnataka rose from 6.73 lakh ha (2019) to 8.73 lakh ha (2024), becoming the second-fastest growing crop after maize.

HIGHLIGHTS

• High State Contribution: Karnataka produces over 60% of India’s total ragi output; 13.5 lakh tonnes expected in 2024-25 (advanced estimates).
• Drivers of Growth:
  • Rising Minimum Support Price (MSP) — from ₹3,000 in 2019 to ₹4,290/quintal in 2024-25.
  • Stable markets aided by Public Distribution System (PDS) inclusion.
  • Climate resilience and adaptability to rainfed, low-input conditions.
  • Ease of mechanized cultivation, even during rabi season using residual soil moisture.
• Production Challenges:
  • Despite acreage expansion, yield has fluctuated and declined since 2019-20 due to weather anomalies, not farming practices.
  • Kolar region shows reduced area under ragi due to shift to irrigated crops like vegetables.
• Farmer Preference: Farmers cite good returns, food-fodder security, and labour-saving mechanization as reasons for shift.
• Policy Impact: Experts highlight ragi as a model of successful climate-resilient agricultural policy. Suggest similar support for jowar, which saw a 2.5 lakh ha drop in cultivation due to lower MSP and lack of procurement incentives.