A breed of rice has been introduced in two North Rift districts to boost food security.
The trials of New Rice for Africa (Nerica) were done in 2004 and seems to be doing well, according to two organisations.
The variety, a mixture of Asian and native west African was introduced to Keiyo and Marakwet districts by Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and Community Agricultural Development Project for Semi-Arid Lands (Cadsal).
According to the Cadsal project manager for Keiyo and Marakwet districts Mr David Mutisya, the trials were in the last phase. The rice matures in a period of about four months and does well in highlands, medium and lowland areas. It was first tried in Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) farm in Kibos, Kisumu, in 2003. It has also been grown in Matuga, Mwea, Bungoma, Busia, Juja, Kabete, Kwale and Kerio Valley areas.
Reference: The Nation (Nairobi) 03/06
