Agricultural Commodities » Cereals

Cereals: Barley  |  Maize  |  Pulses  |  Rice  |  Wheat

Introduction
Barley is from the lands of the ancient Egyptians, Grown in mud from the Nile River and held in pottery, was believed to be the first cereal crop by many ancient religions. In the recent year (1999- 2000) the estimate of barley production is 4,360,000 metric tonnes.

Production area
Barley is a hearty plant, able to withstand many different growing conditions. However, barley is least tolerant of hot, humid conditions, which makes it unsuitable for the subtropical regions. In India, Rajasthan has the maximum growth of barley grain besides Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat etc.

Types
There are two basic types, which are classified based on the number of rows of grain seen when the heads of the stalks are viewed from above. The two types are:

• (2- row barley) named because there are two rows of barley kernels on the head of the stalk. Each stalk produces between 15 and 30 kernels.
• (6Six-row barley) named because the head of the stalk contains six rows of barley kernels. Each stalk produces between 25 and 60 kernels.