---
title: "Moldovan researchers seek corn alternatives due to climate change"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/85954/moldovan-researchers-seek-corn-alternatives-due-to-climate-change
published: 2026-09-27T05:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldovan researchers seek corn alternatives due to climate change

> Climate change is prompting researchers to seek more drought-resistant crops. After years of severe maize losses—particularly in the south of the country—specialists at the National Botanical Garden are revisiting plants once cultivated in the region. Millet, italian millet, and amaranth are being tested as potential alternatives to maize, for both grain and fodder.

[Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/d8vLC0O2SYo)

Climate change is prompting researchers to seek more drought-resistant crops. After years of severe maize losses—particularly in the south of the country—specialists at the National Botanical Garden are revisiting plants once cultivated in the region. Millet, italian millet, and amaranth are being tested as potential alternatives to maize, for both grain and fodder.

![TRM](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/6ffd3777-3760-4088-8155-8be0bda84d10.jpg)

*Sursa: TRM*

![TRM](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/934d4495-0f69-4f0d-8111-05ae01dc5d4d.jpg)

*Sursa: TRM*

For about ten years, researchers have tested nearly a hundred millet varieties to see how well they adapt to conditions in the Republic of Moldova, especially drought. Millet has a shorter growing season and can be harvested in early September. Furthermore, it requires fewer fertilisers and is less affected by diseases and pests.

![TRM](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/101d0a9a-a9a4-4c31-80f2-a7f67a116054.jpg)

*Sursa: TRM*

"While we used to experience droughts—both hydrological and atmospheric—every three to five years, the situation has now intensified, as we can see. The issue of discontinuing corn cultivation in the southern part of the country was raised; consequently, we have returned to crops that had been forgotten but are traditional. These grains can also be used in baking—since millet is gluten-free—making them suitable for children's diets," explains Victor Țiței, PhD in Biological Sciences.

Varieties adapted to arid regions, including Italian millet, are also being tested on experimental plots. Yields of approximately 15 tonnes of dry matter per hectare have been achieved with certain forms of Italian millet.

"Under drought conditions, producing a kilogram of millet requires about 35 per cent less water than producing a kilogram of corn," Victor Țiței points out.

Learn more about the impact of climate change on agriculture and the solutions farmers are seeking by watching the program "Pământ și Oameni" (Land and People), broadcast every Sunday at 2:00 PM on Moldova 1.