NAIROBI, Kenya- In the heart of Ngukuni Village, Makindu Subcounty, a farming revolution is taking place.
The Revelations were made by ICRISAT Senior Plant Breeder for sorghum and millet Dr. Henry Ojulong during a show casing of the technologies in Ngukuni Village.
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has introduced innovative farming technologies aimed at empowering smallholder farmers to thrive despite the harsh realities of semi-arid climates.
Embracing Smart Farming Technologies
Dr. Henry Ojulong, ICRISAT’s Senior Plant Breeder for sorghum and millet, recently showcased these groundbreaking techniques, highlighting their potential to transform dryland agriculture.
The new methods include conservation agriculture, mulching, minimum soil disturbance, and zai pits.
By integrating certified seeds and adhering to government advisories, farmers can now better withstand climate change impacts.
“We are showcasing technologies ideal for dryland areas, especially considering the imminent climate change,” Dr. Ojulong explained.
These technologies, developed in collaboration with the Accelerating the Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), aim to provide farmers with enhanced climate information services and validated climate-smart agricultural practices.
Water Conservation and Drought-Resistant Crops
One of the core benefits of these new technologies is water conservation.
Dr. Ojulong emphasized that ICRISAT is committed to elevating crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability in dryland communities.
This commitment is evident in their introduction of drought-resistant and tolerant crops, which mature quickly and require minimal rainfall.
“Varieties like sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, and green grams are engineered to mature within 2 to 3 months and yield high outputs, helping farmers evade the harsh impacts of drought,” Ojulong noted.
Training and Market Access
In addition to introducing new crops and farming methods, ICRISAT has focused on training farmers to maximize the benefits of these innovations.
Agricultural extension officers provide education on land preparation, selecting the right seeds, and optimal planting times.
Farmers also receive advisories from meteorological officers to ensure they plant at the right time.
This training has not only increased food security for families using these techniques but has also turned farming into a profitable business.
Some farmers are organized in groups that have successfully adopted these new technologies, adding value to their crops and generating income through products like sorghum and millet cakes.
Smart farming technologies can boost yields of smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions.
By embracing conservation agriculture, drought-resistant crops, and comprehensive training programs, these farmers are becoming more resilient and productive.
