Africa
March, 2007
Source: African
Crops News, March 2007
Introduction of NERICA rice in
the Central African Republic
by Koma D. Ben-Bala, RINATED, Bangui
Cassava is the main source of food in Central African Republic
and accounts for 80% of the national consumption. When its
production started declining in the 1990s, rice was identified
as the appropriate alternative with increased imports and local
cultivation.
In 2005, ten NERICA varieties (6
upland and 4 rain-fed lowland varieties) were acquired from
Benin Republic and on-farm demonstrations established.
Three varieties NERICA-3, NERICA-4
and NERICA-7 were selected for introduction to farmers due to
their better yield, resistance to disease and early maturity.
We only validated results of
upland rice varieties. NERICA varieties showed wonderful
resistance to drought and various diseases. Mean grain yields of
200-600 kg/ha were realized. The low yields were caused by
limited rainfall (15mm). More experiments are needed to collect
dependable data on the performance of the rice varieties during
periods of long rains.
Multiplication of seed and further
selection of varieties is needed with more involvement of
farmers in selection. These efforts will contribute to
improvement of the seed sector and food security in Central
African Republic.
For more information, visit
http://www.africancrops.net/news/march07/nerica or contact
Koma D. Ben-Bala, Research on Innovative and Appropriate
Technology for Sustainable Development (RINATED); Email:
kd_bbala@yahoo.co.uk.
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