Standardization of planting method and nutrient levels in teff—An emerging millet in the Indian context

Teff [ Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni.) Trotter], an Ethiopian grain recognized for its nutritional value, is gaining prominence as a super millet in India. To optimize its production, a field experiment was conducted at ICAR‐Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Haveri, Karnataka, on Alfisols using a factorial randomized complete block design during the Kharif seasons (July–October) of 2019, 2021, and 2022. Factor I included two planting methods: M1—line sowing and M2—transplanting, while Factor II covered five nutrient levels: N1—control, N2—100% organics, N3—20:10:10, N4—30:15:15, and N5—40:20:20 kg N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O ha −1 . Results showed that transplanting significantly improved grain yield (260 kg ha −1 ), straw yield (447 kg ha −1 ), and nutrient uptake (N‐8.04, P‐1.93, K‐5.27 kg ha −1 ) compared to line sowing. However, soil‐available nutrients were higher under line sowing. Among nutrient treatments, N5 (40:20:20) led to the highest straw yield (474 kg ha −1 ), lodging (81.60%), nutrient uptake, soil nutrient levels, and nutritional quality (protein—13.51%, moisture—12.35%, fat—2.84%, ash—3.19%), but N3 (20:10:10) recorded the highest grain yield (297 kg ha −1 ). Interaction analysis revealed line sowing with N5 outperformed others in all parameters except grain yield. The findings of this study offer significant implications for enhancing millet‐based food security strategies in India. By standardizing cultivation practices for teff, this research paves the way for expanding its production in marginal soils and water‐limited regions. This contributes not only to nutritional security due to teff's high‐value grain composition but also to climate‐resilient agriculture through its adaptability and low input requirements.