Overview:
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a highly nutritious and drought-resistant cereal crop that plays an important role in food security, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This course is designed to introduce beginner farmers to the essentials of finger millet farming, from seed selection to harvesting and marketing. Participants will learn best practices for growing finger millet in Kenya, with a focus on maximizing yield, ensuring crop quality, and improving profitability.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for beginner farmers, extension officers, and anyone interested in learning about finger millet cultivation in Kenya. Whether you are looking to farm for subsistence or as a business venture, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the ecological importance and nutritional value of finger millet.
- Learn how to select high-quality seeds for better yields.
- Gain knowledge of land preparation, planting techniques, and crop management.
- Explore proper pest and disease control methods to protect your crop.
- Understand the harvesting, threshing, and post-harvest handling of finger millet.
- Learn about marketing opportunities and value addition for finger millet products.
Key Topics:
- Introduction to Finger Millet Farming
- Selecting and Preparing Land for Finger Millet
- Finger Millet Seed Selection and Planting Methods
- Soil Fertility and Water Management
- Weed, Pest, and Disease Control in Finger Millet
- Harvesting, Post-Harvest Handling, and Storage
- Value Addition and Marketing Finger Millet
Course Duration:
2 weeks
Learning Mode:
This course will be delivered through interactive workshops, field visits, practical demonstrations, and expert guest lectures.
Expected Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to confidently grow, manage, and market finger millet, ensuring sustainability and profitability in their farming endeavors.
- Teacher: KALRO Mkulima