Korale's growing popularity

The browntop millet, called korale in Kannada, is specifically grown in Tumakuru, Chitradurga and Chikkaballapura districts of Karnataka. Like other millets, it is a hardy crop and well-suited for dry land. Korale matures within two and half months. “It grows well in less fertile soil and the crop is guaranteed even with two good rains,” explains Thimmakka, one of the growers in Tumakuru. The crop is popular in the region both in terms of cultivation and consumption.

Korale is normally sown in the first week of August to avoid the rains at the time of harvesting. Farmers use the traditional driller for sowing the seeds one inch below the top soil. This method is recommended for a better yield. The crop is known for  its drought-resistant quality. Thimmakka from Hendore village asserts, “Even if there are just two rains, we are confident of getting some yield.” Five kg seeds are required per acre. Seeds get germinate by the fifth day of sowing. Farmers get seven to eight quintal grains per acre and four tractor loads of good quality fodder. The shelf-life of korale seed is about five to six years while the shelf-life of korale rice is only about 25 to 30 days. 

The cultivation of korale is simple but processing is difficult due to the hard outer cover of the seed. As a result, farmers get only 40 to 50 kg of rice from one quintal of korale seeds. Earlier, grinding stones were used to separate the grain from the seed. Today, grinding stones have almost disappeared and korale seeds are processed in the flour mills that process finger millet. Ugrappa, a mill owner in Hendore, states “One should be careful while processing millets in the existing flour mills as the size of these grains is very small.” Even after processing, there will be some bran on the rice. This is processed further through winnowing. The size of korale rice is also very small and separation of stones is difficult. Hence, processing has become a bottleneck for korale farmers, and efforts are on to design improved processing machines.

Korale is gaining popularity in some parts of North Karnataka as well. For example, Jayanthanath of Bikanahalli in Koppal district has started cultivating korale in his farm. “I do not know any other crop that can be harvested in 75 to 80 days. If you grow it for fodder, korale can be harvested in 50 days,” says Jayanthanath, who has been growing korale for the last five years.

When korale matures and the seeds fall on the ground, birds eat some of these seeds and thus, spread the seeds naturally.  “We harvest the crop, process it and my family consumes it as roti or rice,” adds Jayanthanath. According to him, korale requires less management. Convinced by the advantages of growing korale, Jayanthanath has been popularising the crop and has supplied seeds to over 50 farmers. Korale can also be cultivated for fodder and as a cover crop in coconut and areca nut groves. It can be grown as a mono crop or as a mixed crop. The shadow tolerant nature of korale makes it distinct from other crops. It even grows well under tamarind trees. In Pavagad, Madhugiri and Sira taluks of Tumakuru the crop is grown in tamarind shade .

Despite all the benefits it offers, korale is confined to certain regions and is almost on the verge of extinction. Invention of appropriate and easy processing equipment may help the growers to extend its cultivation. Conservation and popularisation of korale could help achieve food security. To popularise korale cultivation and consumption, a one-day workshop has been organised on August 7, in the Tumakuru University campus. A handbook on korale is also scheduled to be released on the day.