Impact of mechanization with improved technologies on germination and crop stand indices of foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

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Abstract
Minor millets encompass more minerals and nutrients than other food grains. They are being cultivated in limited areas due to poor yielding ability and lack of improved technologies (pelleting, sowing methods, land configurations and supplemental irrigation). Mechanization has been adopted intensively by the farming community, for the last two decades for most of the crop production activities. In minor millet production, mechanization has not been adopted notably and there was no strong evidence for mechanization under the minor millet production system. The present research study assessed the establishment (germination, plant population, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length) of minor millet (Italian millet) under mechanization coupled with improved technologies. The strategies included Pelleting (PS) and Non-pelleting (NPS), land configurations (RF-Ridges and Furrow; CB-Compartmental Bunding; BBF-Broad Bed Furrow; FB-Flat Bed) sowing methods (DS-Drone Sowing; LS-Line Sowing and SDS-Seed Driller Sowing) and irrigation methods (MSI- Modified Surge Irrigation; RG-Rain Gun) for evaluation. A Randomized Block Design with three replications was used for the experiment layout during the Rabi season of 2023 and 2024. Observations were made and data subjected to ANNOVA and t-test. The results revealed that treatments IT-1, (FB+PS+DS+RG) recorded (P<0.05) significant higher germination per cent (48.67 %), plant population (88.40/m2), lower cost of sowing (Rs. 2100/-) and IT-7, (CB+PS+DS+RG) observed higher number of leaves (4.14), seed vigour index (2784.49), seedling height (7.03 cm) and root length (12.50 cm). Treatment IT-3, (BBF+PS+SDS+RG) registered (P<0.05) significant lower germination per cent, plant population, number of leaves, seed vigour index, seedling height and root length, registered treatment.

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