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Bajra, whose botanical name is Pennisetum glaucum, is a versatile grain popularly known as pearl millet. This high-nutrient crop grows well in dry areas with low soil fertility.
- Bajra has been grown in the Indian subcontinent and Africa since prehistoric times.
- You will be surprised to know that cultivation of this crop dates back to 2000-2500 BC.
- As it can adapt to tough growing conditions like drought and flood, people grow it in areas where wheat or maize wouldn't survive.
- You can use this crop for the preparation of bread and baked dishes.
- This becomes an excellent winter cereal because of its nutritious profile.
- Rajasthan, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana are the highest-cultivating states for Bajra in India.
Key Terms: Botanical Name of Bajra, Bajra, Pearl Millet, Poaceae, Botanical name, Biological classification,, Uses of Bajra, Biological Classification of Bajra, Benefits of Bajra, Flowering Plants
Botanical Name of Bajra
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Bajra, or pearl millet, is a member of the Pennisetum genus and Poaceae family. The botanical name for bajra is Pennisetum glaucum. In India, pearl millet is popular under different names.
- Bajra is also called Sajje in Karnataka and Kambu in Tamil Nadu.
- Bajhar ji maani or Bajre ki roti is quite popular in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
- Pearl millet has the largest kernels of all millet kinds, with ovoid grains measuring 3–4 mm.
- They are found in a variety of colours, including virtually white, pale yellow, brown, grey, slate blue, and purple.
- The weight of 1000 seeds can range from 2.5 to 14 g, with an average of 8 g.
- The plant grows to be between 0.5 and 4 metres tall.
- Bajra also grows well on soils with low pH or high saline levels.
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Biological Classification of Bajra
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The biological classification of bajra or pearl millet is as follows:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Monocots and Commelinids
- Order: Poales
- Family: Poaceae
- Subfamily: Panicoideae
- Genus: Cenchrus
Bajra
Uses of Bajra
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Bajra or pearl millets can be found in various forms for daily consumption which are as follows:
- Pearl millet is the basic meal in Namibia, where it is known as "mahangu", commonly prepared as a porridge.
- It is a staple meal throughout Africa's Sahel area, northern Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
- If you have travelled to Gujarat, then you must have eaten the famous bajra roti popular called Bajra no rotlo.
- You can use it as flour to make dosa and grains of millet to prepare porridge.
- The processed grains of millet can be used to make poha, upma and millet or multigrain cookies.
- The vitamins and antioxidants found in bajra help improve skin health by preventing stress oxidants.
Benefits of Bajra
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The health benefits of bajra are as follows:
Weight Control
Bajra contains complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly from the digestive tract, resulting in increased fullness. It also ensures a constant supply of energy and aids in the prevention of mid-meal overeating.
Management of Diabetes
The consumption of fibre in people's normal diets influences diabetes prevention and control. Bajra has a positive impact on diabetes because of its high fibre content. It includes slow-digesting starch, which takes longer to convert to glucose.
- It aids in the management of diabetes and recommends a continuous energy discharge for diabetics.
- This crop is an excellent source of magnesium, which has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
Gut Wellness
Bajra has a negligible amount of insoluble fibre and acts as a prebiotic in people's guts. It also aids in the maintenance of people's intestinal health. Insoluble fibre is essential for proper colon cleansing and avoiding constipation.
Gluten-Free
Bajra's protein composition is gluten-free, making it a great alternative for folks who consume a lot of gluten.
Abundance of Phosphorus and Iron
Bajra is a significant source of phosphorus and iron. When you have iron deficiency or anaemia, low levels of iron can make you feel weak and weary because of a lack of oxygen being carried to your tissues. Millet consumption enhances iron-rich intake and maintains our health.
Antioxidant Properties
Flavonoids such as luteolin, acacetin, and tricin are found in the abundant polyphenols found in bajra. They are antitumor and cancer-preventive and may help prevent breast cancer cells from forming. Flavonoids act as antioxidants in people's bodies and contribute to the improvement of our immune systems.
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Things to Remember
- The scientific name of Bajra is Pennisetum glaucum.
- The crop is considered a good source of fodder for the animals.
- Bajra is a type of Kharif crop that is sown between May and September and harvested between October and February or March.
- It helps to control diabetes and cardiovascular health, reduces cancer risk, and maintains a healthy digestive system.
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh produce 80% of India's bajra.
Sample Questions
Ques: What factors influence in choosing Botanical Names? (2 marks)
Ans: Botanical names are scientific names for plants. These are names that follow the binomial (two-word) naming method. The first name identifies a plant's genus, whereas the second name identifies the plant's species. The scientific naming system is utilised since there should be just one standard name used around the world.
Ques: What is the significance of plant botanical names? (2 marks)
Ans: A botanical name is required so that a plant species can be identified by a name that is recognised internationally. Depending on how local folks refer to a plant species, it will have various alternative names (or common names).
Ques: Can Bajra be easily digested? (2 marks)
Ans: Pearl millet, also known as bajra, is a nutrient-dense and easily digestible cereal grain. It is a healthy alternative for persons with a gluten allergy or celiac disease because it is non-glutinous.
Ques: What are the advantages of bajra? (3 marks)
Ans: The advantages of bajra are as follows:
- Bajra contains complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly from the digestive tract, resulting in increased fullness.
- It has a positive impact on diabetes because of its high fibre content and including slowly digesting starch, which takes longer to convert to glucose.
- Bajra has a negligible amount of insoluble fibre and acts as a prebiotic in people's guts.
- It also aids in the maintenance of people's intestinal health. Insoluble fibre is essential for proper colon cleansing and avoiding constipation.
- Bajra's protein composition is gluten-free, making it a great alternative to folks who consume a lot of gluten.
Ques: What is the physical appearance of bajra? (3 marks)
Ans: The physical appearance of bajra is given below:
- Pearl millet has the largest kernels of all millet kinds, with ovoid grains measuring 3–4 mm.
- They are found in a variety of colours, including virtually white, pale yellow, brown, grey, slate blue, and purple.
- The weight of 1000 seeds can range from 2.5 to 14 g, with an average of 8 g.
- The plant grows to be between 0.5 and 4 metres tall.
Ques: What soil conditions are required for bajra? (3 marks)
Ans: The soil conditions required for bajra are as follows:
- Soils that are wet and acidic are not ideal for growing it.
- For optimal development and production, soil with a high salt content and low pH is ideal.
- It is highly capable of withstanding drought.
- The pH range of 7.5 to 8.0 is ideal for its growth.
- It is best to avoid using saturated soils when producing bajra.
Ques: Answer the following: (A) What is the botanical name of jowar?
(B) What is the botanical name of downy mildew of bajra?
(C) What is the botanical name of maize? (2 marks)
Ans: (A) The botanical name of jowar is Sorghum bicolor.
(B) The botanical name of downy mildew of bajra is Sclerospora graminicola.
(C) The botanical name of Zea mays.
Ques: What types of insects affect the Bajra crop? (2 marks)
Ans: The types of insects that affect the Bajra crop are as follows:
- Grasshopper
- Hairy Caterpillar
- Shoot fly
- Stem Borer
- Blister Bee
- White Ant
- Chafer Beetle
Ques: What is the nutritional content found in 100 grams of bajra? (2 marks)
Ans: The nutritional content found in 100 grams of bajra are as follows:
- Calories: 360 calories
- Water: 12 gm
- Protein: 12 gm
- Carbohydrates: 67 gm
- Fat: 5 gm
- Fibre: 1 gm
- Mineral: 2 gm
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Phosphorus: 242 mg
- Iron: 8 mg
Ques: What is green ear disease found in Bajra? (2 marks)
Ans: In Asia and Africa, where pearl millet is used as a food and fodder crop, downy mildew, sometimes known as "green ear," is an extremely destructive disease that affects the plant. The fungus is what causes the sickness, which is spread through the soil. Graminicola Sclerospora
Ques: How bajra crop is harvested? (5 marks)
Ans: The harvesting process of bajra is as follows:
- Maturity: The first step is to identify when the bajra crop is ready for harvest. This typically occurs when the grains on the heads (earheads) become hard and mature.
- Cutting Earheads: This method involves selectively cutting only the mature earheads from the stalks using a sharp sickle or knife. This is often preferred for crops intended for seed production.
- Drying: This is usually done by spreading them out in a thin layer in a well-ventilated, sunny area for several days.
- Threshing: This process, called threshing, can be done manually by beating the dried earheads or stalks. Alternatively, mechanical threshers can be used for larger-scale operations.
- Cleaning: The impurities can be removed by winnowing, which involves tossing the grain mixture in the air.
- Storage: Finally, the cleaned bajra grains can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage.
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