Select millet introduced in Hamelmalo sub-zone becomes effective: Report

The National Agricultural Research Center in Halhale indicated that select millet introduced in Hamelmalo sub-zone has become effective. Keren, 1 October 2012 – The National Agricultural Research Center in Halhale indicated that select millet introduced in Hamelmalo sub-zone has become effective.

Mr. Negasi Abraha from the research center explained that the site in Hamelmalo launched the compiling of data on the species in 1998, and that 5 varieties of millet have currently drawn up widespread use. He further pointed out that the species’ tolerance to diseases has visibly grown vis-à-vis production level in line with the adherence of the farmers to the select varieties.

Among the farmers, Mr. Mohammed-Kier Ferej and Mr. Dagnew Gebrekristos said that they were able to obtain bountiful millet harvest over the past 5 years on the basis of applying various select varieties, and that such research venture is significant in ensuring food security.

The new select millet is characterized with less sensitivity to soil quality and tolerance to drought, as well as diseases, besides the merit in the quantity of its produce after 70 days since cultivation.