Challenges and opportunities of pearl millet hybrid development and seed production in West Africa

Authors: GANGASHETTY, P.I. - International Crops Research Institute For Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) - India; INOUSSA, D. - International Maize & Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT); KANFANY, G. - Senegalese Institute Of Agricultural Research; RAKSHITH, P. - International Crops Research Institute For Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) - India; RIYAZADDIN, M. - Senegalese Institute Of Agricultural Research; DIACK, O. - Senegalese Institute Of Agricultural Research; Serba, Desalegn; PERUMAL, R. - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2024
Publication Date: 10/11/2024
Citation: Gangashetty, P., Inoussa, D., Kanfany, G., Rakshith, P., Riyazaddin, M., Diack, O., Serba, D.D., Perumal, R. 2024. Challenges and opportunities of pearl millet hybrid development and seed production in West Africa. Agronomy Monographs Series. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. p. 207-224.

Interpretive Summary: It is essential to increase agricultural production in West Africa to meet the region's rising population and food demand. Pearl millet has a great potential to improve food security because it thrives in the hot and dry conditions of the region. But yields are low, and improvement and adoption of hybrid varieties is expected to improve the productivity of the crop. Therefore, establishing hybrid breeding programs is a priority to increase yields and resilience to stressors. Finding appropriate sources of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and generating restorer lines will enable to develop a high-yielding, downy mildew-resistant hybrids that are suited to the region. Enhancing ongoing genetic research towards hybrid development, mandating training for regional seed companies, providing incentives to produce hybrid seeds, and enforcing laws to stop malpractice are recommended to produce improved hybrid varieties. To successfully improve food security and promote regional economic growth, sustained research, regional cooperation, supportive policies, and coordinated efforts that overcome obstacles and fostering economic growth are needed in the region.

Technical Abstract: Enhancing agricultural productivity in response to the growing population and food demand in West Africa is imperative. Pearl millet, well-suited to the region's challenging conditions, holds significant potential for strengthening food security. However, current yields are low, and the adoption of improved hybrid varieties lags. Organizations like ICRISAT and National agricultural research institutes (NARS) are working to establish hybrid breeding programs, emphasizing harnessing heterosis for higher yields and stress resilience, but challenges include finding suitable cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources and developing restorer lines. Initiatives by Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and HarvestPlus support hybrid development, as evidenced by Burkina Faso's release of Nufagnon (Year-2021), a high-yield, downy mildew-resistant hybrid adapted to local conditions. Key to success is addressing agronomic and socio-economic challenges through collaboration with farmers, optimizing planting density, and ensuring proper fertilizer use. Public and private sectors play vital roles, requiring training for local seed companies, incentivizing hybrid seed production, and implementing policies to prevent malpractices. Ongoing genetic research, including identifying heterotic groups and utilizing advanced molecular techniques, is crucial for shaping hybrid development. The future outlook is promising, with collaborative efforts expected to yield improved hybrid varieties. The adoption of "speed breeding" and precision breeding techniques holds potential for quicker adaptation to changing agricultural landscapes. In conclusion, success hinges on continued collaboration, favorable policies, and concerted efforts to address challenges, ultimately enhancing food security and fostering economic growth in the region.