Babala is a tall erect, annual grass that grows 2 meters to 4 meters in height. The stems are pithy while the leaves are long-pointed. Tillers are formed freely at the base of the plant. It is important to note that pearl millet is not a forage soughum.

Babala has a sowing time between October and January and should be sown only after all danger of frost is past, in warm soils, preferably above 18 degrees Centigrade, for best germination. Babala likes hot conditions to grow in.

Its seeding rates are: Dryland, 10-15 kg/ha drilled in rows and 15-25 kg/ha depending on rainfall. Irrigated, 20-25 kg/ha drilled rows and 25 - 30 kg/ha broadcast.

Sow seed to an average depth of half a centimetre under soil surface, roll well to ensure good germination.

Babala is well adapted to both sandy and clay soils, tolerateing acid and wetter soils better than forage sorghum.