MPMH 21: A Pearl Millet Hybrid for Drought-Prone Areas

In the quest to develop resilient crops for drought-prone regions, researchers from the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (AICRP) in Mandor, Jodhpur, have introduced a reliable pearl millet hybrid, MPMH 21. This new cultivar aims to enhance both grain and fodder production in the challenging agro-climatic conditions of northwest India, particularly in areas classified as A1 zone for national testing.

Superior Performance

The MPMH 21 hybrid has demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of grain and stover yield. On average, it produces 2,469 kg/ha of grain, surpassing the national checks RHB 177 (2,238 kg/ha) and HHB 67 (1,927 kg/ha) by 10-28%. Its dry stover yield stands at 48 q/ha, which is 17-23% higher than RHB 177 and HHB 67, making it highly beneficial for farmers in dry regions who rely on both grain and fodder.

Key Traits and Benefits

• Growth and Maturity: MPMH 21 flowers in 47 days and matures in 75 days, matching the crop duration of the checks but showcasing a higher growth rate and productivity per day. This short duration combined with high growth efficiency is vital for optimal use of limited moisture in arid areas.

• Disease Resistance: This hybrid boasts a high resistance to major diseases like downy mildew, blast, and smut. Under artificial epidemic conditions, it showed only 2.53% incidence of downy mildew compared to 6.14% in RHB 177 and 5.93% in HHB 67. Its resistance to blast and smut further ensures a healthier and more robust crop.

• Phenotypic Appeal: MPMH 21 is distinguished by its erect growth habit, complete panicle exertion, and attractive grey-brown grains. The hybrid plants grow up to 170 cm tall with compact, lanceolate panicles.

• Nutritional Value: The grains of MPMH 21 are nutritionally rich, containing approximately 11% protein, 6.2% fat, 41 ppm iron, and 35 ppm zinc. This enhances its value not only as a food source but also as a nutritional supplement.

Cultivation and Seed Production

MPMH 21 is developed from the male-sterile line ICMA 93333 and restorer MIR 524, both of which contribute to its high tillering capacity and prolonged pollen production. The large panicles of ICMA 93333 ensure high seed yield, making seed production more lucrative for farmers.

Recommendations for Cultivation

This hybrid is recommended for cultivation under rainfed conditions during the kharif season in the dry regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Its ability to thrive in low-moisture environments, combined with high grain and stover yields, makes it a valuable addition to the crop-livestock farming systems predominant in these areas.

MPMH 21 represents a significant advancement in pearl millet breeding, offering farmers in drought-prone regions a reliable and high-yielding option. Its superior performance in terms of yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value, along with its adaptability to dry conditions, marks it as a promising hybrid for the future of sustainable agriculture.

For more information and to obtain seeds, public-sector seed agencies and private organizations can contact the Project Coordinator (Pearl Millet) at the AICRP on Pearl Millet, Mandor, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, or via email at pcunit@outlook.com.

(Source: B. S. Rajpurohit, O. P. Yadav, B. R. Beniwal, H. R. Bishnoi, Manoj Kumar and R. C. Meena, Indian Farming 67(07): 09–11; July 2017)