Biotech Updates

NERICA Rice Introduced in Central African Republic

March 30, 2007

Since the decline of cassava production in the 1990s, rice has been used as an alternative source of food in Central African Republic. Ten NERICA varieties were acquired from Benin Republic and three more were selected for introduction to farmers due to their better yield, resistance to disease and early maturity.

NERICA varieties showed resistance to drought and various diseases. More experiments are needed to collect dependable data on the performance of the rice varieties during periods of long rains.

To read more, visit http://www.africancrops.net/News/march07/index.htm or contact Koma D. Ben-Bala at kd_bbala@yahoo.co.uk.