At a field tour in Kiboko, Kenya, farmers, researchers, and seed companies gathered to evaluate hybrid pearl millet varieties being tested for drought tolerance, yield, and market potential. With harvest cycles as short as three months and improved resistance to harsh conditions, the crop is gaining attention as a viable alternative to maize in arid and semi-arid regions. Researchers from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization are working with private seed companies to accelerate commercial adoption and ensure the varieties meet both farmer and market needs. For farmers like Kyaati Yambu and Leonard Mbwiko, pearl millet represents a practical pathway to more stable harvests and diversified income in the face of increasingly unpredictable rainfall.
Read the full story on: kenyanews.go.ke
