Comparative Analysis of Finger Millet Varieties across Formal and Informal Seed Systems in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a staple crop in Africa and India, contributing significantly to food security in Ethiopia. However, the effectiveness of its seed system remains a challenge, particularly regarding seed quality and availability. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the physical, physiological, and vigour quality of finger millet seeds obtained from formal and informal sources in the Amhara Region. Seed samples were collected from the Adet Agricultural Research Center (formal) and from local farmers using various traditional storage methods (informal). Data analysis using independent t-tests (SPSS) and ANOVA (SAS) revealed that formal seed sources consistently exhibited superior quality, including higher physical purity (99.98% vs. 63.55%), greater thousand seed weight (3.21 g vs. 1.93 g), and improved standard seedling emergence (97.3% vs. 84.6%). Despite the widespread reliance on informal seed sources among smallholder farmers, the results underscore the benefits of formal seeds and the need to strengthen formal seed systems. Recommendations include enhancing farmer awareness, promoting proper seed selection and handling, and facilitating access to high-quality seeds to improve finger millet productivity and support regional food security.