Government push to coarse cereals as climate change affects wheat, paddy cultivation

Source: The post is based on the article “Government push to coarse cereals as climate change affects wheat, paddy cultivation” published in PIB on 1st September 2022.

What is the News?

The Government of India is considering pushing toward coarse cereals as climate change is affecting wheat and paddy cultivation.

What are Coarse Cereals?

Coarse cereals are a broad sub-group of several short-duration warm weather (Kharif) crops such as Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl Millet), Maize, Ragi (Finger Millet) etc. 

They are used in food, fodder, fuel; value added products and also fast food products.

In India, coarse cereals are mainly grown in poor agro-climatic regions, particularly rainfed areas of the country. 

These crops are grown in areas with high temperatures and are called dryland crops because they can be grown in areas with 50-100 cm rainfall. 

These crops are also less sensitive to soil deficiencies and can be grown in an inferior alluvial or loamy soil.

Coarse Cereals Production in India

Coarse cereals have been sown in 17.63 million hectares in 2022 as against 16.93 million hectares in 2021.

About 50 million tonnes of coarse cereals are produced in the country at present. Maize and millets are grown the most.

The major coarse cereals growing states in India are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Why is the Government shifting focus toward coarse cereals?

Firstly, climate change has affected the production of wheat and paddy in the country, indicating a need to shift focus to coarse cereals.

Secondly, coarse cereals have characteristics like drought tolerance, photo-insensitivity and resilience to climate change etc.

Thirdly, the cost of cultivation of coarse cereals is less compared to summer paddy cultivation and also it requires a lesser quantum of water for irrigation.