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Introducing the non-rancidity trait into pearl millet seed : scenarios for achieving future impact in Kenya

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Title Introducing the non-rancidity trait into pearl millet seed : scenarios for achieving future impact in Kenya
 
Creator Muindi, Pauline
Khaemba, Colleta
Rutsaert, Pieter
Donovan, Jason A.
Bandyopadhyay, Anindya
Hearne, Sarah
 
Subject pearl millet
rancidity
seed
value chains
market intelligence
 
Description The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and partners are working to apply CRISPR technology to achieve a step-change in pearl millet seed product design: altering fatty acid metabolism to achieve the non-rancidity trait to create grain that when milled into flour has extended shelf life. Kenya is a country where the regulatory environment permits the introduction of gene-edited seed products when derived from site directed nuclease 1 and 2 derived technologies. Market intelligence looked to shed light on the question, If such a seed product were available in Kenya, what would be the potential relevance for millet farming and value chains? This brief explores that question by examining the context in which millet is produced, processed, and sold and the associated expectations and requirements of farmers, consumers, and processors. Data were collected through interviews with millet farmers (n=35) and rural consumers (n=35), local processors (n=14), traders (n=3), and flour producers (n=6). Value chain actors reported rancidity as a problem, but it was not perceived to be a primary challenge. Rancidity was overshadowed by larger challenges related to lack of improved seeds of any type, low production volumes, and postharvest challenges. Achieving impact from millet seed products with extended shelf life rests on changing expectations about the commercial opportunities for millet flour (such as flour-blending policies) and building viable, high performing seed systems with new varieties that address farmers’ needs, such as high yield, drought tolerance, and bird resistance. This brief concludes with future scenarios on how non-rancidity millet could deliver impact at scale.
 
Date 2023
2023-12-18T22:35:48Z
2023-12-18T22:35:48Z
 
Type Brief
 
Identifier Muindi, P., Khaemba, C., Rutsaert, P., Donovan, J. A., Bandyopadhyay, A., Hearne, S. (2023) Introducing the non-rancidity trait into pearl millet seed: scenarios for achieving future impact in Kenya. Market Intelligence Brief Series 7, CGIAR. Montpellier. https://hdl.handle.net/10883/22814
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/135533
https://hdl.handle.net/10883/22814
 
Language en
 
Rights Other
Open Access
 
Format application/pdf
 
Publisher CGIAR