Busia: Millet farmers in Busia have been urged to adopt improved millet seeds that are tolerant to climate change in order to enhance their production. This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by climate variability and boost agricultural output in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, Emmanuel Eshitemi, an official from the Centre for Behavior Change and Communication, emphasized their commitment to transforming millet farming by introducing improved seed varieties. During a visit to millet farmers in Asing’e, Teso South Sub County, Eshitemi highlighted the collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure the quality and availability of these seeds to farmers. “We are educating our farmers on the importance of the improved seeds. The seed takes 3 months and is ready for harvesting,” he stated.

Eshitemi noted that traditional millet seeds have led to low yields and longer harvesting periods. He explained that the new seed varieties are drought-tolerant and suitable for all-weather conditions, offering farmers a viable solution amidst climate change challenges. “The improved variety has high yield after a short period. The seeds can only be recycled twice, after which we encourage farmers to get a new variety,” he explained.

Currently, efforts are concentrated in Teso South, where farmers have already received the seeds. Eshitemi expressed their determination to reach all farmers across the county. “We want to reach all farmers so that they can benefit from our training and even getting the seeds. We have several improved varieties including U-15/Maridadi, Kakamega Wimbi 2, and Kakamega Wimbi 3, and they are all available at Youth and Women quality centres in Busia,” he added.

Millet farmers, led by Marygoret Omodia, shared their positive experiences with the improved millet varieties. “If you follow all the instructions, the yield per acre is approximately 10 bags of 90kg from one acre. I want all millet farmers to embrace these new ways of millet farming so that we can increase the production of millet in the county,” Omodia expressed. She also emphasized millet’s nutritional benefits for people with diabetes and children’s porridge.

Another farmer, Mary Awala, highlighted the advantages of the improved variety, noting that it allows for three planting cycles per year through crop rotation. “The traditional seed was taking 6 months, but with the improved variety, it takes three months. This has helped me to pay school fees for my children and my livelihood,” Awala remarked. She also mentioned that modern planting methods, such as planting in lines, facilitate easier weeding compared to traditional random planting methods.