General description and special characteristics – Foxtail millet is an annual grain with a deep, well-developed root system. A distinct benefit of foxtail millet is that it is one of the most water efficient, short-term, warm weather crops that can be used as a “catch” or “famine” crop, planted after another crop has failed due to hail, wind, or late frost. Although other grains produce higher yields, foxtail millet can be depended upon to produce two tons per acre of quality forage or a 9-13% protein grain with no addition of nitrogen fertilizer.
Varieties -
- Chiang Dao (พันธุ์ท้องถิ่นเชียงดาว): Discovered in northern Thailand’s Chiang Dao district, this variety of foxtail millet is a new crop for ECHO Asia. Although foxtail millet is known as a short-term crop, this variety, sometimes intercropped with upland rice, requires approximately 120 days. Plant height reaches about 2 m (6.5 ft.) and yields yellow-brown seeds. Can be planted during the rainy season or during the dry season with irrigation.