Aberystwyth University in Wales has created a new strain of a naturally drought-resistant crop to increase its adaptability to climate change and increasing temperatures.
The new stain of pearl millet, developed in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, based in Niamey, Niger, will help the agricultural sector in many African countries in the face of climate change.
A recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation estimated that increased temperatures have already reduced Africa’s agricultural productivity by 34%, with more droughts forecast in the future.
According to Rattan Yadav, professor of Plant Genetics at Aberystwyth University, this new strain reacts better to rain, and is more resilient.
“So, it will not only be a more secure source of food for people, but also better for farmers’ incomes,” he said.
Yadav led the research and has been working on developing the crop since 1996.
“Developing this new variety has been a lifetime’s work for me,” he said.
“What has motivated me all these years is knowing that it could make a such big difference to people living in many countries around the world – places where farming is tough and getting tougher because of climate change.”
Drought-resistant variety
As well as breeding a new drought-resistant variety, the new strain also comes with some health benefits.
The team took advantage of another of pearl millets’ qualities and developed their new strain to have a low glycaemic index (GI).
Low-GI foods gradually release blood sugar, which is helpful for people with diabetes to consume as a spike in blood sugar levels can be dangerous.
According to the World Health Organisation, 24 million adults are living with diabetes in Africa, but that figure is projected to rise by 129% to 55 million by 2045 – so low-GI crops offer strong health benefits to the country.
“Our initial goal was to enable people to have access to food in times of drought. But, with a prediction that 41 million Africans will have type II diabetes by 2045, our new millet variety is a real game changer,” Yadav added.
The research at Aberystwyth University has been supported by the BBSRC, UK Government, INNOVATEUK, the Royal Society and the UK Newton Fund.
Following successful trials of the new strain of the crop in Niger, researchers say the seed is now ready for wider use.
