Busia millet farmers urged to embrace improved seed varieties to boost yields

Millet farmers in Busia County have been urged to adopt improved, climate-resilient seed varieties to boost productivity and shield themselves from losses linked to climate change.

Speaking during a visit to millet farms in Asing’e, Teso South Sub-County at the weekend, Emmanuel Eshitemi from the Centre for Behavior Change and Communication (CBCC) emphasized the importance of using improved seed varieties developed in collaboration with KALRO and KEPHIS.

“We are working to transform millet farming by introducing seeds that are drought-tolerant and mature within three months,” said Eshitemi. 

He noted that many farmers are unaware of the impacts of climate change, making it vital to supply them with resilient seed varieties that can perform well under varying weather conditions.

“These varieties offer higher yields compared to traditional seeds, which take longer to mature and produce less,” he said.

Eshitemi added that the new seeds such as U-15/Maridadi, Kakamega Wimbi 2, and Kakamega Wimbi 3 are available at Youth and Women Quality Centres across the county. 

However, he cautioned that the seeds should only be recycled twice before farmers acquire a fresh batch for optimal yields.

The CBCC is currently focusing efforts in Teso South but aims to reach all millet farmers countywide with training and seed distribution.

“We want to reach all farmers so that they can benefit from our training and even get 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 said.

Marygoret Omodi, a farmer, said her millet yield has risen significantly since adopting the improved seeds and following recommended planting methods.

“If you follow all the instructions, you can harvest up to 10 bags of 90kg per acre,” she said, encouraging fellow farmers to embrace the changes.

Mary Awala, another farmer from the area, said the new varieties allow her to plant up to three times a year due to the shorter maturation period.

“With the traditional seeds, it took six months to harvest. Now I harvest every three months, which has helped me pay school fees and improve my livelihood,” she said.

Awala also noted that planting in lines, as advised in modern farming techniques, has made weeding easier and improved crop management compared to traditional random planting.

She hopes that with increased awareness and access to quality seeds, millet farming in Busia can become both sustainable and profitable.