Ragi is a tropical and sub-tropical, heat-loving crop. It needs at least 8–10°C for germination and 26–29°C for growth. It does not tolerate heavy rainfall and needs a dry spell during grain ripening. It is a short-day plant. For rainfed ragi, an average, well-distributed rainfall of 450–500 mm is optimum.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Climate requirement, p. 92; Rainfed ragi – rainfall, p. 98
