New maize variety boost to Kenya’s food security plan

It was good news to farmers as scientists released a new drought-resistant maize variety with the potential for high yields per acre.

Other than its drought-resistance properties, the new variety can also grow well in soil with low fertility.

This is a boost, especially to small-scale farmers in areas with erratic rainfall patterns.

About 16 Water Efficient Maize for Africa drought Tego maize varieties are out and will be popularised among farmers as the country seeks to improve her food security.

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Technology, Packaging and Transfer Assistant Director Jack Ouda said another similar 16 varieties will be released after ongoing trials.

The released varieties are Katumani Coast transition varieties, Muguga Embu varieties, Western varieties and Kitale varieties.

SELL SURPLUS

“Improved varieties produce reliable harvests under moderate drought conditions and protect maize from insects,” Dr Ouda said.

“Drought leads to crop failure, hunger and poverty. But with these varieties, farmers can feed their families and the surplus sold to increase their income,” he said.

The drought-tolerance property of these varieties is one of the most important targets of crop improvement programmes and biotechnology as it is the most important tool to achieve significant drought-tolerance by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

“Encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt best management practices is fundamental to realising food security and improved livelihood for the entire continent,” Dr Ouda said.

A more reliable harvest will also give farmers confidence to invest in their farms and improve their farming practices, he said, adding, the seeds should be made available to farmers royalty-free and no research costs will be recovered on the seeds.