Table of Contents
Introduction
Bajra, or pearl millet, is one of the most widely cultivated millets in India. Known for its exceptional drought and heat tolerance, it plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Bajra is rich in fiber, making it beneficial for digestion and weight management. It is also packed with essential nutrients like phosphorus and calcium, which support strong bone health.
Bajra thrives in warm, dry climates with low annual rainfall, making it ideal for cultivation in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat.
Now, let’s explore the top 10 Bajra-producing states in India for the year 2021-22 in detail.
Top 10 Bajra-Producing States in India
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana

Rajasthan

Rajasthan ranks first in Bajra production in India in 2021-22, with a total production of 3,739.84 kilotonnes. Bajra was cultivated in a total area of around 43,484 km² in the state. The major Bajra-producing regions in Rajasthan are Jaipur, Barmer, and Jaisalmer.
Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh ranks second in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total output of 1,951.18 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated across 9,070 km² in the state. The major Bajra-producing regions in Uttar Pradesh are Agra, Mathura, and Bareilly.
Haryana

Haryana holds the third position in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total production of 1,119.83 kilotonnes. It was cultivated over an area of 5,692 km². The key Bajra-producing regions in Haryana include Bhiwani and Rohtak.
Gujarat

Gujarat ranks fourth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total output of 1,089.64 kilotonnes. The crop was grown across 4,602.6 km². The major Bajra-producing regions in Gujarat include Banaskantha, Kutch, and Kathiawar.
Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh stands fifth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total production of 868.82 kilotonnes. The cultivation covered 3,270 km² in the state. The key Bajra-producing regions in Madhya Pradesh include Morena, Bhind, and Gwalior.
Maharashtra

Maharashtra ranks sixth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total output of 618.72 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated over 6,875 km² in the state. The major Bajra-producing regions in Maharashtra are Marathwada and Vidarbha.
Karnataka

Karnataka holds the seventh position in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total production of 171.38 kilotonnes. It was cultivated across 2,220 km². The key Bajra-producing regions in Karnataka include Raichur, Ballari, and Kalaburagi.
Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu ranks eighth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total output of 146.12 kilotonnes. The crop was grown over 674.1 km². The major Bajra-producing regions in Tamil Nadu include Salem, Namakkal, and Dindigul.
Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh stands ninth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total production of 55.40 kilotonnes. Cultivation covered 310 km² in the state. The key Bajra-producing regions in Andhra Pradesh include Anantapur, Srikakulam, and Kurnool.
Telangana

Telangana ranks tenth in Bajra production in 2021-22, with a total output of 4.04 kilotonnes. The major Bajra-producing regions in Telangana include Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Gadwal.
Top 10 States Based on Bajra Productivity
- Puducherry
- Madhya Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Punjab
- Andhra Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
Fun Facts About Bajra
- Bajra is one of the most drought-resistant grains, capable of growing in regions with prolonged dry spells during both its vegetative and reproductive phases.
- The deep root system of the Bajra plant efficiently absorbs residual nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reducing the need for high fertilizer inputs compared to other summer grains.
- Bajra is naturally gluten-free.
- India was the first country to develop a pearl millet hybrid, HB 1, in 1965.
Bajra has a lower carbon footprint compared to other cereals, such as rice and wheat.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state was the largest producer of Bajra in India in 2021-22?
A. Rajasthan was the largest producer of Bajra in India in 2021-22.
Q. Which state ranked second in Bajra production in India in 2021-22?
A. Uttar Pradesh ranked second in Bajra production in India in 2021-22.
Q. What are the top five Bajra-producing states in India in 2021-22?
A. The top five Bajra-producing states in India in 2021-22 were Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
Q. Which state had the largest area under Bajra cultivation in India in 2021-22?
A. Rajasthan had the largest area under Bajra cultivation in India in 2021-22.
Q. What was the total area under Bajra cultivation in India in 2021-22?
A. The total area under Bajra cultivation in India in 2021-22 was approximately 7.2 million hectares.
Q. Which state had the highest Bajra productivity in India in 2021-22?
A. Haryana recorded the highest Bajra productivity in India in 2021-22.
Q. What is the scientific name of Bajra?
A. The scientific name of Bajra is Pennisetum glaucum.
Q. To which botanical family does Bajra belong?
A. Bajra belongs to the Poaceae family.
Q. What are the common Indian names for Bajra?
A. Bajra, Bajri, Sajjalu, Sajje, Kambu.
Q. Which country is the largest producer of Bajra in the world?
A. India is the largest producer of Bajra in the world.