Know about the Ragi Production in India

 

Ragi Production in India is a major cereal crop. Also known as finger millet, it is noted for its nutritional content, adaptability to varied agro-climatic conditions, and low water demand. It is one of the most essential crops for dryland farming. Because of its low input costs, it is a suitable crop for subsistence cultivation.

Top Ragi Producing States in India

1. Karnataka: Leading the country in ragi production, Karnataka contributes significantly, producing over 1370 thousand tons, constituting nearly 70% of the total output. The cultivation hub is concentrated in the southern part of the state, with Tumkuru district emerging as the largest producer, followed by Mandya, Hassan, Bengaluru Rural, and Ramnagar. Ragi holds staple status in Karnataka, used to prepare various cuisines like ragi mudde and ragi dosa.
2. Tamil Nadu: Securing the second position among major ragi-producing states, Tamil Nadu produced 289 thousand tons in the 2020-21 period, making up approximately 14% of the national output. Ragi cultivation is widespread in the state's dryland areas, providing crucial sustenance and income to the local population. Key ragi-growing regions include Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai.
3. Uttarakhand: Despite being a mountainous state, Uttarakhand has emerged as a significant ragi-growing region, contributing 130 thousand tons, accounting for around 6.5% of the total production. Ragi is cultivated in the state's uplands, where traditional rice and wheat farming face challenges due to difficult terrain. Uttarakhand's colder temperatures are conducive to ragi growth, with Almora being the primary ragi farming district.
4. Maharashtra: Maharashtra claims the fourth position in ragi output, with 93 thousand tonnes produced in 2020-21, contributing approximately 4.65% to the country's total ragi production. Cultivated in the state's semi-arid regions, ragi is a staple in the native cuisine. Its popularity among farmers stems from its drought tolerance and flexibility.
5. Bihar: In 2020-21, Bihar, an agricultural state, produced around 3,000 tons of ragi, ranking as the tenth largest state in terms of ragi output. Ragi holds traditional significance in the region and is an integral part of the local diet. The Bhojpur district, the largest ragi farming region in the state, organized a two-day Millets Mahotsav in 2023.
6. Andhra Pradesh- Andhra Pradesh has made significant progress in ragi cultivation, emerging as the 5th largest producer in the country with an impressive output of 40 thousand tonnes. Notably, the cultivation of Guli ragi is prominent in the Vishakhapatnam and East Godavari districts. The diverse agro-climatic conditions in the state, ranging from coastal to semi-arid regions, create an ideal environment for successful ragi farming. Ragi holds a crucial place in the households of Andhra Pradesh, being a key ingredient in dishes like ragi sangati (rice balls).
7. Odisha- Odisha, as the 6th largest ragi-growing state in India, boasts a total production of 33 thousand tonnes. The state's varied geography, encompassing coastal areas and plateaus, provides favorable conditions for ragi cultivation. Primary ragi cultivation districts in Odisha include Malkangiri and Koraput. The local diet of Odisha commonly incorporates ragi, and government initiatives and research efforts actively support its cultivation.
8. Jharkhand- Jharkhand, characterized by its tribal and hilly terrain, stands as the 7th largest producer of ragi in the country. The state achieved a total ragi production of approximately 17 thousand tonnes. Ragi cultivation thrives in Jharkhand's agro-climatic conditions, serving as a vital sustenance source for numerous tribal communities. The district of Gumla is particularly renowned for ragi production and is associated with the Ragi Revolution.
9. Gujarat- Gujarat, with a total ragi production of 13 thousand tonnes, secures its position as the 8th largest ragi-producing state in India. Cultivated in regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions, ragi's consumption is on the rise in Gujarat due to its nutritional benefits. Key ragi-growing districts in the state include Valsad, Dang, Panchmahal, and Navsari.
10. West Bengal- West Bengal, producing around 6.47 thousand tonnes of ragi, ranks as the 9th largest ragi-growing state in India. Ragi cultivation is concentrated in areas with appropriate agro-climatic conditions, with Saharjore in Purulia district and Kalimpong being the primary regions for ragi cultivation in the state.

 

Ragi, being a nutritious and climate-resilient crop, plays a crucial role in ensuring India's food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The success of ragi farming in these states is attributed to government support, research initiatives, and increasing awareness about the nutritional benefits of ragi. As a distinguished online platform, TractorKarvan offers top-quality used tractors at competitive prices, simplifying the purchasing process and providing a seamless and trustworthy tractor-buying experience for customers.