Sub-Saharan Africa grows a variety of millet, including foxtail millet, finger millet, sorghum millet, proso millet, and fonio millet, all of which offer significant nutritional value.
It contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins while being gluten-free and highly nutritious.
Thousands of people in the region depend on it as a staple crop, emphasizing its importance in promoting food security and good health.
In Ghana, pearl millet is an important cereal crop in northern Ghana, recognized for its drought tolerance and yield potential surpassing two tonnes per hectare for open-pollinated varieties (OPVs). This crop is predominantly cultivated by women, who benefit economically from its production.
Nevertheless, farmers encounter significant challenges, including disturbances from birds and pests and diseases, which constrain the potential for increased production. It is essential to address these issues to realize the benefits of pearl millet cultivation fully.
To enhance the purity of millet seeds designated for cultivation in the 2025 farming season, Ebenezer Asamani, an entomologist at the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), has recommended that seed producers and farmers implement rigorous field monitoring practices. This approach is essential for mitigating the impact of pests and diseases. It encompasses early detection and timely intervention in pest and disease management, as well as the utilization of disease-free certified seeds. Furthermore, he advised employing suitable control measures to curtail the proliferation of pests and diseases effectively.
During a training workshop for millet seed producers held in the Northern region, Mr. Asamani emphasized the importance of monitoring as a crucial tool for forecasting and managing pests and diseases. He explained that effective monitoring not only aids in controlling these challenges but also minimizes unnecessary chemical applications. “Monitoring facilitates the prediction of the protection measures required. Without regular monitoring of your field, pest and disease infestations may arise, resulting in a decline in quality. As a farmer, your primary objective should be to produce superior seeds to enhance your income,” Mr. Asamani stated.
The recent dry spell experienced in the northern region has adversely impacted seed production activities across various agricultural fields. Certain areas have reported infestations of worms, while others have been affected by pests and diseases. Mr. Ebenezer Asamani, an expert in integrated pest management (IPM), has recommended that seed producers implement pest management strategies to mitigate pest invasion, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and foster soil fertility.
He conducted practical sessions focusing on soil preparation, planting techniques, and pest management methodologies.
Additionally, Mr. Asamani provided demonstrations on identifying and managing common pests and diseases that affect pearl millet. He advised farmers to avoid a calendar-based spraying approach and instead encouraged them to monitor their fields regularly.
Dr. Peter Asungre, a millet breeder at the Manga Station of the CSIR-Savanna and Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), highlighted the significance of monocropping in conjunction with the implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices during an exclusive interview with Noah Nash Hoenyefia of GhOne News in Tamale. He asserted that such practices are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change on crop yields.
“Seed producers should consider engaging in the monocropping of pearl millet due to its drought-tolerant varieties, particularly when optimal rainfall of approximately…
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Pearl Millet/ NR
