International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Gyaneswari Beshra and RP Singh Ratan

abstract
Millets, being climate-resilient and nutrient-rich, are a critical component in the quest for food security for vulnerable tribal groups in Jharkhand. The present study analysed the climatic stresses, such as drought, moisture deficiency, and soil fertility decline, which disproportionately impact millet production, especially among the Korwa and Sauria Paharia tribes. Despite a decline in millet farm area, consistent yields presented their resilience potential and role in tribal diet and livelihoods. The pest and disease problems in millet cultivation in the Munda, Santhal, Sauria Paharia, and Korwa tribes reported that finger millet and little millet were relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but sorghum was severely damaged by black cutworm and shoot fly as pests, smut and downy mildew as diseases. Differential management practices among tribes with considerable changes favouring chemical control among Korwa farmers and restricted disease management within the Sauria Paharia community, combined with declining usage of indigenous knowledge. The results emphasised the imperative to link indigenous knowledge with contemporary pest and disease management techniques, complemented by prioritised climate adaptation and climate-resilient soil and water conservation practices, to enhance millet production, maintain agro-biodiversity, and enhance socio-economic resilience of Jharkhand's tribal farmers.