Rice farmers have been spoilt for choice when it comes to Rice seed varieties following the decision by the Ministry of Agriculture to introduce new and improved Rice seed varieties.
The varieties have already undergone a successful trial in Karonga and Nkhatabay districts where farmers have expressed satisfaction with yields.
Deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Research Services (DARS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Susan Chikagwa, has touted the new varieties as the future of Rice farming in the country.
“The new varieties are Wachangu, Mpheta, Mtupatupa, Kaingamalo, Kudya (V2), Makafasi and Mthetsanjala,” Chikagwa indicated.
She said farmers who were tasked with the job of trying the new varieties have given a greenlight for the varieties to undergo massive distribution.
“Farmers under Wovwe and Hara irrigation schemes in Karonga and Mkondezi irrigation scheme in Nkhatabay tried the new varieties and have given positive feedback and that’s massive news for us,” said Chikagwa.
Among other qualities, the new varieties are said to be early maturing and give out high yields.
“These varieties can also withstand climate change effects, thereby guaranteeing yields to farmers,” She added.
Wovwe irrigation scheme deputy president Sauzande Mwale has concurred with Chikagwa, saying the new varieties have come at the right time.
“We believe these varieties will also help to minimize the problem of seed recycling, which is of course rampant among Rice farmers,” said Mwale.
The new seed varieties have been developed with financial and technical support from the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM-2).
