Kenyan researchers unveil new disease-resistant maize varieties

NAIROBI: Farmers in Kenya will soon have access to drought-tolerant and pest-resistant maize varieties which are also high-yielding.
The Kenya Seed Company says the two hybrid maize varieties which are set to be introduced for cultivation in coming months will be able to cushion farmers against losses caused by depressed rainfall.
The impact of climate change on crop yields in the country has been immense with harvests being reduced in recent years. This has further been complicated by infestation of pests such as the Fall Armyworms this year and the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease in recent years.
Researchers of the company have developed two new maize varieties which are drought-resistant and pest-resilient to cushion farmers against crop failure and losses.
The new maize seeds are suitable for cultivation in harsh climatic conditions and the maize can also be used as animal feed.
The new maize varieties, which have a maturity cycle of 130 days, offer farmers the opportunity to grow multiple crops a year. — Bernama