Hybrid rice is not only well-adapted to the climate, but also rich in nutrients, suitable for addressing the growing undernutrition among African children.
(Source: Xinhua)
Recently, scientists believe that the introduction of large-scale cultivation of hybrid rice varieties that have been shown to be effective in tolerant of extreme climate conditions as well as pests and diseases is an important key to helping solve the crisis caused by climate change. starvation and Malnutrition in Africa.
Emmanuel Okogbenin, program development and commercialization manager at the Africa Agricultural Technology Fund (AATF), highlighted the ongoing climate crisis in Africa along with poor soil and spread of pests.
This requires farmers to switch from conventional rice varieties to improved varieties. He noted that the introduction of improved rice varieties with high yields and adaptability to ecosystems will help increase food security and reduce poverty in rural areas in Africa.
AATF has put into trial cultivation the variety hybrid rice in Central Kenya to assess adaptability to extreme weather conditions and invasive pests and diseases. According to Mr. Okogbenin, hybrid rice grown on a small household scale here has twice the yield, contributing to improving the socio-economic status of farmers.
Similarly, Sheila Ochugboju, Executive Director of the Science Alliance, has called on African governments, research institutions and industry to facilitate the deployment of improved rice varieties to farmers. smallholder farmers, as part of a program to help the agricultural sector adapt to climate.
Hybrid rice not only adapts well to climate but also rich in nutrients, suitable for addressing the growing undernutrition in children Africa.
Accordingly, Ms. Ochugboju suggested that agricultural extension services in Africa should be improved to help farmers access information, improved seeds, fertilizers and modern post-harvest storage facilities.
To promote more hybrid rice farming in Africa, governments need to facilitate policy and regulation, actively train farmers, and invest in modern storage facilities. .
