New Rice for Africa, NERICA

Developed by Monty Jones the awardwinning"...NERICA is a technology from Africa for Africa. It is perfectly adapted to the harsh growing environment and low-input conditions of upland rice ecologies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where smallholder farmers lack the means to irrigate and apply chemical fertilizers or pesticides..." In addition "...Nerica lines yield around 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of rice per hectare, compared with an average of only one tonne or less for traditional African varieties. And, with good land preparation and application of fertilisers, yields may be doubled. Tolerance to weeds, pests and diseases has also been retained in the Nerica varieties, and they mature in only half the time (90 days) of traditional varieties so that farmers can grow a second crop, such as beans, which increases soil fertility and provide valuable food during the 'hunger' season...",New Agriculturist.