FONIO MILLET

by David Nuttle

Fonio millet (Digitara exilis) is the oldest grown cereal grain gown extensively in West Africa. It is a popular crop there since it tolerates heat, drought, poor soils, limited rainfall, and no fertilization. This crop matures in 8-weeks and produces grain that is tasty as well as nutritious with amino acids, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Fonio is used in salads, porridge, pasta, and bread. It is gluten-free,

With climate change or another cause, more heat, drought, and irrigation water shortages, American farmers experiencing such conditions on their farms is considering Fonio millet production as an alternative crop. Fonio seeds are available now from Amazon. The ADUNA brand of organic Fonio seeds is $26.00 for one kg. Other areas of the world where farmers are having more of similar problems growing crops are reported to be seriously considering production of Fonio millet. NPI will be doing some high desert test plots of this crop.

Fonio is typically planted in loose, dry soil, in rows 18 inches apart and seeds every 8 to 12 inches covered with a light layer of soil. Drip irrigation is needed during seed germination and good watering within one month. Addition of fertilizers is not critical, but adding biochar inoculated with cultured soil microbes will increase yields. Incorporate this biochar to root-zone soils adding 05 percent biochar by volume. Sustained drip irrigation will also increase the yields. Plant improved varieties of Fonio to avoid seed shattering problems. Fonio does best with warm temperatures. Planthoppers may be a problem that can be controlled using an insecticidal soap or Neem oil diluted with water.

Gardeners and smallholder farmers do best growing Fonio since harvesting these plants requires cutting when mature and collection in sheaves to hang and dry. The sheaves are then beat to remove seeds. Farms planning large fields of Fonio will need to have special farm equipment to plant and harvest small seeds. To prepare to consume, rinse and pop like popcorn or boil in water for 5-minutes. Fluff after boiling and eat like rice.