RA 00110.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

Management Practices to Increase Yield and
Yield Stability of Pearl Millet in Africa
L . K . Fussell 1 , P.G. Serafini 2 , A. Bationo 3 , and M . C . Klaij 4
Abstract
Pearl millet is a staple cereal adapted to the poor soils and low rainfall areas of the semi-arid tropics. The
low annual production growth rate in the West African region is attributed to three factors: inherent low soil
fertility, limited and untimely cultural operations, and frequent drought periods. Improved millet production
depends on plant material and management practices that overcome these limitations while providing
stable yields and maintaining or improving the production resource base. Production systems should
maximize yield in the good years and guarantee some yield in unfavorable years.
This paper describes fertility, soil, and crop management practices that could have an impact on
improving millet production in the major millet growing areas of Africa. These factors are examined in
terms of their potential impact on production and their availability to the resource-poor farmer. Important
practices that optimize the use of available water are discussed. If farmers of the semi-arid tropics of West
Africa improve the fertility of their soils and move from hand tools to using animal traction, increased and
stable yields are possible in this drought-prone region.
1. Principal Millet Agronomist, ICRISAT Sahelian Center, B.P. 12404, Niamey, Niger.
2. Research Farm Manager at the same location.
3. Principal Soil Chemist at the same location.
4. Principal Soil and Water Engineer at the same location.
Submitted as CP 373 by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics). 1987. Proceedings of the International Pearl Millet
Workshop, 7-11 April 1986, ICRISAT Center, India. Patancheru, A.P. 502324, India: ICRISAT.
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