Page 110 - Haryana Water Resources Atlas 2025

Productivity of Bajra and Cotton during Kharif (2023)

addy, Bajra, Sugarcane, and Cotton are the major kharif crops in
Haryana, and their productivity varies across different regions. The
Pspatial distribution of crop productivity can be seen in Figure 71 and N
the corresponding data is provided in Table 55.
Bajra is a diverse group of small-seeded grasses commonly used as cereal W E
grains and animal feed. Most species of "Bajra" belong to the Paniceae tribe,
although some are classified under other taxonomic groups. Bajra is S
predominantly grown in India, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger, which are semiarid
Scale
regions in tropical Asia and Africa. In developing countries, 97% of Bajra is
Kms
produced. Due to its great yield and capacity to withstand hot, dry weather, 0 12.5 25 50 75 100
this crop is preferred. It needs little annual rainfall and does well in warm,
dry areas. 20 to 30°C is the ideal temperature range for Bajra growth. In
Haryana, Bajra, specifically Pearl Millet, is an important crop, particularly
in the semi-arid regions of the state. The productivity of Bajra is influenced
by various factors, including soil quality, weather conditions, pests and
diseases, irrigation, and fertilization. As shown in Figure 71 (a), Bajra
productivity is highest in the Sirsa and parts of Sonipat and Panipat where
yields reach >3200 kg/ha or more. This productivity pattern aligns with the
distribution of Bajra cultivation in the region.

Figure 71(b). Cotton Productivity (2023) Data Source-DA&FW

As both a fibre and cash crop, cotton is incredibly important to India's industrial and agricultural sectors. The
majority of Haryana's cotton comes from the districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jind, Kaithal, Sonipat and Mewat. The
productivity of Cotton in Haryana is influenced by several factors such as soil quality, climate, pests and diseases,
irrigation, and fertilization and ranges from <300 kg/ha to 600 kg/ha or more. Figure 71 (b) depicts the relationship
between the region's water and temperature availability, two factors that are directly related to Cotton crop
production. The Sonipat district, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in eastern Haryana, offers an ideal
climate for the cultivation of cotton. These crops' overall crop productivity generally corresponds with their acreage
Figure 71(a). Bajra Productivity (2023) patterns.
Data Source-DA&FW
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