Biotech Updates

New Rice Variety Could Ease Mozambique's Grain Supply

February 18, 2011

A new rice variety will soon benefit farmers in Mozambique. This new rice variety technically known as IR80482-64-3-3-3 and developed by scientists at the International Rice Research Institute, were sent to Mozambique for testing. Results showed that the average yield is seven tons per hectare, which is 95 percent higher than the present varieties planted in the country. It also exhibited better resistance to diseases such as fungal blast and bacterial blight, which is a relief to small farmers who cannot afford to purchase commercial pesticides.

The new rice variety has been approved by the registration and release committee at Mozambique's Ministry of Agriculture in December 2010 and will be forwarded to IIAM's seed office for reproduction before delivery to factories for certification and distribution to farmers.

Read more at http://allafrica.com/stories/201102141280.html.