Conservation of fertility and humidity in soil, using improved crop variety, soil testing and judicious use of fertiliser will help in increasing the production by 20 per cent he stated in a press release.

H said ploughing across the slope and constructing bunds with a gap of 30 to 40 feet will help in conserving the moisture of the soil after the summer showers.

Organic manure or compost up to three tonne per acre should be fed into the field three weeks before sowing, he added.

He also suggested that along with ragi, tur dal can be grown as an allied crop.