Finger millet farmers get boost with launch of new variety in Busia
Orphaned crops which have long been neglected in most parts of the country have got a lifeline after the launch of improved finger millet variety for Western Kenya.
Orphan (or minor) crops are typically not traded internationally but which can play an important role in regional food security.
For various reasons, many of these crops have received little attention from crop breeders or other research institutions wishing to improve their productivity.
However, despite its nutritional benefits and adaptability to diverse agroecological zones, there are several barriers to finger millet’s widespread use in Busia County in Kenya.
The use of improved seeds for crops remains low due to limited information, inadequate knowledge of the business opportunities and access to reliable markets, inadequate access to new varieties of improved seeds, inadequate pest management practices, and post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities and processing constraints.
Cultural preferences and market dynamics also play a role in limiting the use of finger millet in the county. The lack of supportive policies and investment priorities for promoting finger millet cultivation and utilization can also hinder its adoption.
Sustainable agriculture
However, a partnership between the Centre for Behaviour Change and Communication (CBCC) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has introduced quality finger millet seeds in Busia County.
Meant to support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture in the region, the improved variety will go a long way to enhance trade and also contribute to food security.
According to CBCC’s Peter L’parnoi, the move will rely on Youth and Women Quality Centres (YWQC) to disseminate information and market linkages to finger millet farmers and consumers.
The YWQC will also serve as hubs for quality seed production and distribution and value addition and processing of finger millet products.
“We believe that introducing quality finger millet seeds can significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Busia County. We are committed to providing the necessary support to overcome the barriers to widespread use of finger millet and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative,” L’parnoi said.
He said the initiative will be implemented under the Accelerated Variety Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project, whose primary goal is to uplift the lives of smallholder farmers and millet consumers.
The project is designed to enhance access to high-quality seeds of improved varieties adapted to local conditions and preferences.
Finger millet, a staple food crop in Busia County, offers numerous benefits including nutritional value, climate resilience, biodiversity preservation, income diversification, and positive effects on soil health.
