Sustainable Pearl Millet Farming Could Combat Drought

In a bid to encourage sustainable production of pearl millet and its use as forage, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) is actively conducting research. The initiative aims to leverage the crop's ability to thrive in adverse weather conditions, save water, and provide market opportunities for small-scale producers.

Collaborating experts from the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture, and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) are assessing pearl millet's viability to combat and mitigate drought and desertification in the country. While Mexico has experience in forage production, the focus now is on cultivating this crop in various regions within a short timeframe and under conditions of low water availability. Pearl millet's adaptability to extreme temperatures, as well as acidic and infertile soils with poor water retention makes it a suitable candidate for such conditions.

Particularly, pearl millet has demonstrated high nutritional value comparable to corn, exhibiting robust performance after early-stage harvesting. Its tolerance to salinity, resilience in temporary drought conditions, efficient water use under irrigation, and high per-hectare yield through multiple cuts, make it a promising forage option.

This research is crucial for promoting sustainable millet production, creating new market opportunities for both producers and consumers alike. Having been domesticated over 4,500 years ago in the valleys of present-day Mali, Africa, pearl millet has spread to various regions worldwide due to its unique characteristics.

In the context of the International Year of Millets (2023), declared by the United Nations General Assembly to promote sustainable production and enhance the value chain's efficiency, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasizes the opportunity to raise awareness of millet's health and nutritional benefits, as it contributes to at least six Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

SADER highlights the establishment of pearl millet cultivation showcases in Zacatecas and documents its yield potential exceeding some oat varieties in the Central Mesa region, particularly in collaboration with INIFAP at the Ocampo, Guanajuato research platform. Meanwhile, CIMMYT has prioritized millet among its key research crops, recognizing its importance in small-scale agriculture, hunger eradication, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and agro-food system transformation amid the anticipated impacts of climate change by 2030.

Pearl millet's gradual incorporation into Mexico's agricultural landscape stems from its ease of cultivation and adaptability to diverse soils and climates. Originating from Asia, it serves as a staple in African and Asian countries, consumed in various forms such as bread, porridge, stews, and even used in brewing. Nutritionally, pearl millet stands out for its higher protein and fat content compared to rice, making it an energetically potent grain. Its significant iron and zinc content further enhances its nutritional profile, solidifying its status as a valuable agricultural option for the future.