Ministry of Agriculture Invests Heavily in Research

Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says his ministry has invested heavily in research to come up with seeds that are high yielding, drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant.

Kawale made the remarks after noting that many farmers are still using old varieties of seeds that are not benefiting them, perpetually leaving them with low yield and less income.

“After releasing these new varieties, the extension service providers have the task to share this information with farmers across the country,” Kawale said.

He indicated that the new Extension policy that was launched two weeks ago will bring a new beginning of accelerating in adopting of the new seed varieties which will increase yield and incomes at a household level.

“Some of the bean varieties have the potential to have a 2.5 tones a hectare in yield, while some maize varieties can have 10 tones and above per hectare in yield,” Kawale revealed.

He further said the jackpot is in cassava where one can have 30 tones per hectare.