Millet reloaded: This is how Stutensee's farmers react to climate change!

Millet reloaded: This is how Stutensee's farmers react to climate change!

A remarkable course has recently been taken in Stutensee-Staffort: more and more farmers are turning to the cultivation of millet, a plant that is particularly valued in dry regions of Africa and Asia. Thomas Meier from Meierhof is one of the pioneers who has been relying on millet for two years in order to remain economically flexible in times of climatic changes. How bnn.de reported, millet requires significantly less water compared to conventional crops such as corn - just 90 to 100 liters per kilogram of dry matter, in contrast to up to 500 liters for corn. This property is becoming increasingly important as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change.

Climate change brings not only challenges, but also new opportunities. Loud agriculture.de The consequences of climate change are diverse: a lack of precipitation leads to drought, while at the same time excessive rainfall causes the soil to erode. Average temperatures are rising and the vegetation phases are shifting in this country. The start of vegetation for some plants such as rapeseed has been postponed by a whopping 20 days compared to 50 years ago.

Millet cultivation in the region

The plant itself is relatively undemanding, requires little water and fertilizer and only requires occasional weed control. Meier grows millet on an area of ​​8 to 10 hectares and also sees the economic returns as quite appealing. The millet is usually harvested in October, with the plants being delivered to local mills in southern Baden, where they are processed into millet semolina and millet flour. Particularly pleasing for people with gluten intolerance: millet flour is ideal for making gluten-free flatbread.

However, not all farmers are as optimistic as Meier. Some, like Gabriele Kammerer, stick to proven crops and are reluctant to grow millet. Master agriculturalist Uli Naumann points out challenges: The later harvest in October brings additional drying problems and the risk of rot and pest infestation if stored in damp conditions. The question remains as to whether millet cultivation in the region will prove to be sustainable in the long term. Experts estimate that the entire concept is more like temporary hype.

The challenges of climate change

In addition, climate change also poses new challenges for animal husbandry. Rising temperatures can affect the health and performance of livestock, especially cows. Measures to secure yields such as frost protection measures and irrigation systems have now become essential to secure yields.

A look beyond the region shows that agriculture is also undergoing change at the European level. Cultivation should be adapted to climatic changes. Reports from bpb.de show that numerous studies show how important it is to actively address these challenges. In this sense, while testing new crops like millet is a step in the right direction, agriculture critics warn of the long-term economic challenges that these adaptations could pose.