Farmers Urged to Prioritize Early Maturity Seeds Amid Hunger Threat
Written by Skyz Metro FM on January 17, 2025
17 January 2025
By Kenneth K. Nyika
Agronomist and Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) chairman, Mr. Ivan Craig, has called on farmers to plant Altra early-maturity seed varieties and traditional hardy grains such as finger millet.
Addressing climate change challenges, Mr. Craig emphasized the benefits of Altra high-yielding, early-maturing maize seed, which thrives in unpredictable weather conditions. Its fast maturity rate allows farmers to maximize harvests while minimizing the risk of crop failure.
“We are coming out of a dry spell, so many farmers have not utilized most of their land,” explained Craig.
“The key question now is what to plant at this time of year. There are plenty of options which include sunflowers, sugar beans, cassava, and cowpeas are all viable choices. Some farmers are even planting ultra-early and very early maize varieties. Additionally, small grains like finger millet are still a good option.”
In addition to Altra, he urged farmers to incorporate nutrient-dense traditional grains like finger millet into their planting schedules. These hardy crops not only support food security but also enhance the resilience of farming communities.
By adopting innovative seed solutions like Altra and cultivating traditional grains, farmers can strengthen their role in ensuring food security and mitigating climate change impacts.