Table of Contents
Introduction
Jowar, also known as sorghum, is a staple crop in India, valued for its nutritional richness and adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Traditionally, it has been a key food source, especially in rural areas, where it is used to make rotis, porridges, and various local dishes. Packed with fiber, iron, and protein, jowar has gained popularity in urban markets as a gluten-free, healthy alternative to wheat and rice.
Due to its drought resistance, jowar is widely cultivated in semi-arid regions, making it a preferred crop for farmers. The rising awareness of millets and their health benefits has further boosted its demand, with state governments and agricultural bodies actively promoting its cultivation through incentives and marketing efforts.
India is one of the largest producers of jowar globally, with states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh leading production. Now, let’s explore the top 10 jowar-producing states in India for 2021-22 in detail.

Top 10 Jowar-Producing States in India
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Telangana
- Gujarat
- Haryana

Maharashtra

Maharashtra ranks first in jowar production in India in 2021-22, with a total output of 1,558.00 kilotonnes, accounting for a significant share of the country’s total production. Jowar was cultivated over 16,486.6 km² in the state. The major jowar-producing regions in Maharashtra are Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Karnataka

Karnataka ranks second in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 731.48 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated across 6,150 km². The major jowar-producing regions in Karnataka are Koppal, Haveri, and Gadag.
Rajasthan

Rajasthan holds the third position in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 535.66 kilotonnes. It was cultivated over 6,199.8 km². The key jowar-producing regions in Rajasthan include Ajmer, Alwar, and Banswara.
Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu ranks fourth in jowar production in 2021-22, contributing 362.04 kilotonnes. The crop was grown across 3,972.3 km². The major jowar-producing regions in Tamil Nadu are Salem, Dindigul, and Namakkal.
Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh stands fifth in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 269.84 kilotonnes. Jowar cultivation covered 1,710 km² in the state. The key producing regions in Uttar Pradesh include Pratapgarh, Allahabad, and Mathura.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh ranks sixth in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 259.61 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated over 770 km². The major jowar-producing regions in Andhra Pradesh are Kurnool, Guntur, and Anantapur.
Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh stands seventh in jowar production in 2021-22, contributing 236.04 kilotonnes. Jowar cultivation covered 1,230 km² in the state. The key producing regions in Madhya Pradesh include Khargone, Barwani, and Chhindwara.
Telangana

Telangana ranks eighth in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 117.07 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated across 690 km². The major jowar-producing regions in Telangana are Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, and Adilabad.
Gujarat

Gujarat holds the ninth position in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 57.55 kilotonnes. The crop was grown over 427.6 km². The key jowar-producing regions in Gujarat include Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and Kheda.
Haryana

Haryana ranks tenth in jowar production in 2021-22, with a total output of 12.33 kilotonnes. Jowar was cultivated across 233.9 km². The major jowar-producing regions in Haryana are Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, and Gurgaon.

Top 10 States Based on Jowar Farming Productivity
- Andhra Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Kerala
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Bihar
- Himachal Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Fun Facts About Jowar
- Jowar is one of the oldest cultivated grains, with evidence of its cultivation dating back over 5,000 years in Africa.
- It is highly drought-resistant, making it a crucial crop for arid and semi-arid regions.
- Rich in protein, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, and phosphorus, jowar supports a balanced diet.
- Being gluten-free, it is an ideal alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Jowar is widely used in Indian cuisine and can be made into rotis, porridge, dosa, bhakri, and various snack foods.
- The crop is highly adaptable and thrives in diverse climatic conditions across India.
- It is also used as fodder for livestock due to its high nutrient content.
- Jowar residues are utilized for biogas production, contributing to renewable energy.
- Jowar has been a staple in Indian diets for centuries, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state is the largest producer of Jowar in India?
A. Maharashtra was the largest producer of Jowar in India in 2021-22.
Q. Which state ranks second in Jowar production in India?
A. Karnataka ranked second in Jowar production in India in 2021-22.
Q. What are the top five Jowar-producing states in India?
A. The top five Jowar-producing states in India in 2021-22 were Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Q. Which state has the largest area under Jowar cultivation in India?
A. Maharashtra had the largest area under Jowar cultivation in India in 2021-22.
Q. What is the total area under Jowar cultivation in India?
A. The total area under Jowar cultivation in India in 2021-22 was around 52,000 km².
Q. Which state had the highest Jowar productivity in India in 2021-22?
A. Tamil Nadu recorded the highest Jowar productivity in India in 2021-22, with an average production per hectare higher than other states.
Q. What is the scientific name of Jowar?
A. The scientific name of Jowar is Sorghum bicolor.
Q. To which botanical family does Jowar belong?
A. Jowar belongs to the Poaceae (grass) family.
Q. What are the common Indian names for Jowar?
A. Jola, Cholam, Jwari, and Jonnalu in different regions of India.
