Abstract

This is done as follows:-When the black gram sown is covered with ploughs, the seedlings are dropped down in the furrow made by the 1st plough, the succeeding plough covering and earthing up the roots. The seedlings are again put in the furrow of the 3rd plough, the next one earthing up, and so on in alternate furrows. Only one seedling is planted at a time. There is also the practice of growing this as a pure crop. This method of raising ragi dry is known locally as F சாகுபடி which literally means "cultivation of ragi in plough furrows." It is considered that a rain in August after planting is sufficient to maintain the crop and the September- October rains bring the crop to maturity. There is also a practice of penning sheep a month after planting (i. e. after the crop established itself well) and, by so doing, it is said that the crop comes up with renewed vigour and yields also better. The yield varies from 720 to 1200 Madras Measures per acre. This is considered a risky crop and they say that, of late, the cultivation of this is going down in extent owing to the uncertainty of the season.

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