In recent years, the people of Chirundu had gradually started shifting away from cultivating pearl millet. Ben Siamapabi a long-standing CTDT partner farmer from Kayuni Village in Machavika says pearl millet is a hardy grain compared to other millet varieties.
In the wake of last year’s devastating drought, priorities have changed. As hanging and unpredictable weather patterns continue to affect crop yields, more farmers in Chirundu have turned back to pearl millet, this time with renewed commitment. Larger portions of land are now being dedicated to its cultivation, signaling a shift toward crops that offer not just food security, but adaptability in the face of climate stresses.
“Pearl millet is a crop that helps to have food in good time," Ben explains. "It matures early, and it's very strong when it comes to storage. When the rains failed us, only those who had planted pearl millet managed to harvest something meaningful," Ben says, reflecting on the past year farming season.
"We used to grow it only on small plots, but after what we saw last year, the story is different." He added.
However, like any traditional crop, pearl millet comes with its challenges. "The only problem we have with it is during processing; when we pound it, it's labor-intensive because the grains are small. However, the flour doesn’t keep well. We have to pound every two days because if the meal sits too long, it becomes bitter."
Despite this inconvenience, the benefits of pearl millet far outweigh its limitations. It has proven to be a dependable source of food during critical times, and its ability to thrive with minimal rain makes it an ideal crop in the age of climate uncertainty.
Comments