The potential for improving millet (Pennisetum typhoides (Burm), Stapf and Hubb) in farming systems of the semi-arid areas of Nigeria

The importance of millet to small farmers of the semi-arid areas of Nigeria is described. The particular farming system of these farmers, desiring very early grain harvest and long-stemmed varieties for building material, which has developed a methodology of water use for early, erratic rainfall is also described. This farming system is such as to preclude yield improvement by standard agronomic techniques. Attention is drawn to the essential need for understanding such farming systems before undertaking research. An alternative approach to improving millet by breeding for pest and disease resistance, reduced plant bulk, and improved grain protein quality, such that the varieties so produced can be easily absorbed into the farming system, is proposed.