On-farm spatial variability of Proso millet cultivation in Moneragala and Hambanthota districts of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a short duration minor millet cultivated in subsistence rain-fed farming systems in drier parts of Sri Lanka as a substitute for rice. It has been identified as an exemplar underutilised cereal crop for multiple security in future. The study was carried out to evaluate the present status of Proso millet cultivation in Moneragala and Hambanthota districts of Sri Lanka and to gather the indigenous knowledge of growers on Proso millet cultivation and use it in these districts, that will assist in agricultural decision making in the region. A field survey was conducted during March-June 2015 (Yala season) in Proso millet growing regions of Thanamalwila and Lunugamwehera divisional secretariat divisions of Moneragala and Hambanthota districts respectively. Above ground Proso millet plants of randomly selected 1 m 2 area were harvested from 41 farm fields at harvesting stage and yield analysis was performed. Daily rainfall data were collected from Thanamalwila Meteorological station. Results revealed that 96 % of the Proso millet fields were sown during a wet spell receiving at least 7 mm of rain in 2015 growing season, suggesting that rainfall distribution determines the Proso millet cropping pattern in the area. Proso millet farmers use high seed rate (2560 kg ha-1 ) that leads to higher plant densities (61 to 601 plants m-2 ) to control weeds and to recover the crop damages from excessive rainfall and animals. None of the fields were irrigated and no herbicide/pesticide was used while 4% of farmers fertilise their Proso millet fields with Urea. Yield varied from 470 kg ha-1 to 1956 kg ha-1 and the highest yield was from 351-400 plant m-2 category. Proso millet fields are maintained as low input agricultural systems. The study revealed some important information on Proso millet cultivation, its relationship to rainfall, yield and associated crop management practices in Moneragala and Hambanthota districts of Sri Lanka that will assist in agricultural decision making in the region.