A History of Agriculture in India v1.c22.s3.t4.2

v1.c22.s3.t4.2

At present, there are about 18 million hectares under *jowar*, with a production of 9 million tonnes of grain. *Jowar* occupies more area in India than any other food crop except rice. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, in that order, are the States where grain sorghum is chiefly grown. The largest area under *jowar* is in Maharashtra, i.e. to the extent of 34 per cent. Its grain is roasted when it is green. When ripe and dry, it is the favourite cereal of the Maharashtrians. There are two main types with regard to stem character: the pithy or dry stem, and the juicy stem. The stalks of the juicy type are relished by cattle.