If a soil test is not available, apply 60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O per hectare. Apply half the N and all the P basally; apply the remaining N in two equal splits at 25–30 and 40–45 days after sowing. Before transplanting, apply 2000 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 4000 g Azophos) mixed with 25 kg soil and 25 kg FYM. For zinc deficiency in plants, spray 0.5% ZnSO4 on the 30th, 40th and 50th day. In rainfed ragi, Azospirillum mixed with FYM saves about 50% of the nitrogen cost.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Application of fertilizers & micronutrients, pp. 94–95
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Weeding
If no pre-emergence herbicide is used, hand-weed twice, on the 10th and 20th day after transplanting. Hoe and hand-weed on the 15th day in light soils (17th day in heavy soils) and again on the 30th (32nd) day. Let the weeds dry for 2–3 days before irrigating.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Weed management; hoeing and hand weeding, pp. 95–96
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Pre-emergence herbicide
Apply oxyfluorfen at 0.05 kg/ha as pre-emergence on the 3rd day, using a flat fan nozzle and 500 litres of water per hectare, followed by one hand weeding on the 20th day. Apply when the soil has enough moisture, or irrigate immediately after.
Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Weed management (i), p. 95
