The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) has launched an initiative to revive pearl millet cultivation in Ghana's Upper East Region. The institute introduced farmers to improved open-pollinated and hybrid pearl millet varieties with higher yields, early maturity, and climate resilience. This move aims to reverse the declining production of the indigenous crop. The initiative was unveiled during a participatory farmer varietal selection exercise in Bawku Municipality.
The exercise, sponsored by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) through the Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network (ADCIN), involved 54 farmers from four districts. They assessed different pearl millet varieties and selected those suitable for cultivation. Dr. Peter Asungre, Pearl Millet Breeder at CSIR-SARI, said farmers evaluated regional hybrid trials involving 30 hybrids and selected their preferred varieties. The exercise also featured four hybrid varieties undergoing the release process.
The new hybrid pearl millet varieties have promising prospects in Ghana due to their higher yield potential and nutritional value. Some hybrids can produce up to 3.5 tonnes per hectare, compared to 2.1 tonnes per hectare for existing improved open-pollinated varieties. The hybrids are rich in essential micronutrients that can improve nutrition, particularly among children and breastfeeding mothers. Dr. Asungre said the institute wants farmers to choose between improved open-pollinated and hybrid varieties based on their preferences and production needs.
The pearl millet varieties are being assessed for performance under local conditions, including resistance to downy mildew disease. Dr. Asungre noted that the hybrids require no additional fertilizer inputs beyond what farmers normally apply to open-pollinated varieties. Pearl millet generally requires relatively low rainfall, with 400-500 millimeters during the growing period sufficient for good yields if well distributed. The early-maturing varieties can be harvested within 75-80 days, making them climate-smart options for farmers facing unpredictable rainfall patterns.
The field demonstration challenged the perception that planting pearl millet late would not produce good results. The varieties on display matured successfully by November, demonstrating their potential to fit into changing planting schedules. Dr. Asungre advised farmers to consider planting periods to minimize bird attacks, suggesting that planting later could help avoid periods when birds concentrate on millet crops. The institute has conducted trials in the Upper East, Upper West, and North East regions, with plans to expand demonstrations to other parts of northern Ghana in 2027.
Farmers who participated in the exercise expressed optimism about the improved varieties. Mr. Alhassan Salu, a farmer from Tempane District, said the hybrid pearl millet varieties had higher yields, bigger stalks, and better characteristics than traditional seeds. Awini Lamisi Charity, another farmer from Tempane District, noted that the varieties matured early, produced better yields, and appeared capable of withstanding difficult climatic conditions and bird attacks. Abanga Emmanuel, a farmer from Bawku Municipality, thanked CSIR-SARI for involving farmers in the selection process.
The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers' access to improved pearl millet varieties and encourage renewed interest in the indigenous crop. This development remains crucial for food production in northern Ghana. Dr. Asungre expressed gratitude to CIMMYT-ADCIN for their support. The introduction of these improved varieties aims to enhance food security and farmers' livelihoods in the region.
Key points
- The new hybrid pearl millet varieties can produce up to 3.5 tonnes per hectare.
- The varieties are rich in essential micronutrients that can improve nutrition.
- The early-maturing varieties can be harvested within 75-80 days.
