New varieties boost finger millet harvest

By Renson Buluma

Busia County

Over 1,200 farmers in Busia County have resolved to revive finger millet farming following the introduction of early maturing varieties.

The farmers drawn from 300 groups said the new varieties, developed by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) and International Crop Research for Semi Arid Tropics (Icrisat), offer better yields than the traditional types.

Speaking during a farmers’ field day at Alupe, the farmers led by Joseph Moding said the eight new varieties introduced by Harnessing Opportunity Productivity Enhancement (Hope) Foundation recorded an improved harvest. America billionaire Bill Gates funds the foundation.

“The varieties matured within 90 days, giving all farmers a chance to harvest. The crops were not affected by poor rainfall,” said Moding.

He affirmed that farmers are likely to harvest over eight bags per acre, five more than what they have been getting.

 

Ideal

Patrick Audi, a researcher with Icrisat, said most of the finger millets varieties given to the local farmers were ideal for the area.

He said finger millet farmers have not been able to benefit from the crops because of using seeds that were susceptible to diseases and had a long maturity period.

He said eight new varieties that include Gulu E, Seremi 1, U15, Okhale 1, P224, KNE 648, IE 4115 and Ikhule are supplied for free to registered farmers groups in Teso, Mumias Siaya and Kisii.

“This will help encourage other farmers to embrace the new seeds which will help them get better yields,” said Audi.

The foundation is also involved in linking successful farmers with potential buyers so as to ensure that middlemen do not exploit farmers.