Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR) Brings Advanced

[Deeq A.]

Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR) Brings Advanced Agricultural Solutions for Enhanced Crop Productivity

The Somaliland Institute of Agriculture Research (SIAR) has taken significant steps to revolutionize agriculture in the region by introducing improved varieties of drought-resistant and nutritious crops. These efforts are aimed at boosting the country’s food security and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers through higher crop yields and improved resilience to harsh environmental conditions.

SIAR has already imported advanced varieties of legumes and cereal crops, including Cowpea, Pigeon pea and Pearl Millet, along with Sorghum. After conducting extensive evaluation research to determine their adaptability to Somaliland’s challenging climate, the results have been promising. These crops have demonstrated impressive qualities, including high grain yield and biomass production, as well as resistance to both drought and disease. Additionally, some of the introduced varieties are nutritionally enriched, providing valuable vitamins that can help address malnutrition in the region.

Currently, these varieties are entering the seed multiplication stage, which is a crucial step in ensuring that the seeds are available for wider distribution. SIAR plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Development (MOAD) to multiply the seeds and distribute them to farmers across the country. This collaboration aims to scale up the production of these improved crops and provide farmers with better tools to cope with the challenges posed by climate change.

In addition to the improved crop varieties, SIAR has introduced innovative farming practices to further enhance productivity. One such method is the use of ZAI pits (also known as Permanent Planting Pits), which have been implemented for the first time in Somaliland’s agricultural history. These pits, measuring 30 cm wide and 40 cm deep and 50 cm apart are strategically placed in areas where water naturally flows. By adding organic matter into these pits and planting two seeds in each pit, farmers have seen healthier and longer-growing plants, leading to nearly double the yield and biomass compared to traditional farming methods.

The ZAI pits technology has proven to be a game-changer, offering a practical solution to improve soil fertility and water retention, which are vital for sustaining crop production in arid environments. SIAR is committed to spreading the knowledge of this innovative technology and is working closely with MOAD to train smallholder farmers in its use. The goal is to create a lasting impact on crop productivity in Somaliland, ultimately helping farmers increase their harvests and improve their economic stability.

Looking to the future, SIAR has ambitious plans to import additional drought-resistant varieties of essential crops such as wheat, maize, rice, chickpeas, and groundnuts. This will further diversify the range of crops available to farmers, ensuring they have access to a variety of options that are both nutritionally rich and capable of thriving in the region’s harsh climate.

Through its collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture and Development, SIAR is paving the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural future in Somaliland. By multiplying improved seeds, introducing innovative farming technologies, and empowering farmers with the tools and knowledge they need, SIAR is helping to build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector in the region.

As Somaliland continues to face the challenges of climate change, these advancements in crop research and farming technology hold great promise for the future of agriculture in the country

Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi

Somaliland Institute Of Agriculture Research

Abdirahman270@gmail.Com

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