Calibration and Validation of APSIM Millet Model for Proso millet (<em>Panicum miliaceum</em> L.) Accessions as a Basis for Crop Diversification

Purpose: Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an underutilised minor grown as a rain-fed crop in subsistence farming systems tropical African and Asian countries including Sri Lanka. It identified climate-resilient that exhibits huge potential to diversify conventional systems, however few modelling studies have assessed this crop, especially the tropics. The objective of study calibrate validate Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model for millet. Research Method: APSIM was developed based on Pearl calibrated five farmer-selected accessions using data gathered from two field experiments. Yield collected 35 farmers’ fields under different management practices were used model. Findings: observed phenology, leaf area index, above ground biomass grain yield not significantly (p > 0.05) simulated values yields (1187±336 kg ha–1) (1208±255 ha–1), suggesting good calibration Limitations: Lack abiotic stress conditions limitation further validation Originality/ Value: has been tested previously. Derived genetic coefficients successfully simulate production.