NAIROBI, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Africa have stressed that large-scale adoption of hybrid rice will play an important role in tackling hunger and malnutrition crisis in the continent.
Emmanuel Okogbenin, director for program development and commercialization at African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said the introduction of improved rice varieties will help ensure food security and reduce poverty.
Okogbenin made the remarks during a tour of the Mwea irrigation scheme in central Kenya. Here, AATF has facilitated the introduction of hybrid rice to test its resilience in the face of extreme weather, invasive pests, and diseases.
According to Okogbenin, hybrid rice in central Kenya has registered a doubling of yields.
During the tour, Sheila Ochugboju, executive director of the Alliance for Science called on the adoption of hybrid rice to small-holder farmers.
She noted that hybrid rice is not only climate smart but also rich in nutrients and ideal for tackling the malnutrition problem among children in Africa.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
