A Comparative Evaluation of Biostimulants on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) in the Red Lateritic Region of West Bengal, India

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.), an ancient crop cultivated in India since 2300 BC, is highly valued in traditional production systems for its role in alleviating malnutrition, with a rich nutritional profile comprising 9.2% protein, 1.29% fat, 76.32% carbohydrates, and the highest calcium (344 mg%) and potassium (408 mg%) content among all cereals and millets. The present experiment entitled on “A Comparative Evaluation of Various Biostimulants on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Growth and Yield in the Red Lateritic Region of West Bengal” was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Farmers’ field, Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice consisting of 6 treatments [T1: RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertlizes) + Seaweed Extracts at 0.2%, T2: RDF + Moringa Extracts at 2%, T3: RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2%) T4: RDF + Fulvic acid substances at 0.2%, T5: RDF + Panchagavya at 3%, T6: RDF (N: P: K- 30:15:15 kg ha-1)]. The objective of this study is to find out the effect of foliar nutrition on growth and yield attribute of Finger millets. The grain and straw yield of finger millet as influenced by different treatments are found to be significant. Foliar spray of nutrition has resulted variable yield differences among the treatments. The highest grain yield 26.19 q.ha-1 and straw yield 34.70 q.ha-1 were recorded by RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2% followed by T1 with the values of 25.12 q.ha-1 and 31.56 q.ha-1 respectively. From the above investigation it was evident that the foliar application of various biostimulants on finger millets had a positive impact on growth and yield, especially in nutrient-stressed soils. In this context, the present study aims to assess the feasibility and performance of finger millet cultivation with minimal nutrient input and the application of biostimulants in various combinations.