Scientists at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) have developed a new cassava variety that has superior characteristics compared to the traditional variety.
Dubbed KME-08-02, or locally as Tajirika, the new variety is drought resistant, high yielding, and can double farmers’ yields by halving the maturity period from 24 months to a year.
“One of the most devastating diseases facing cassava farmers in Kenya is the cassava brown streak disease. We consider it one of Kenya’s most dangerous plant diseases due to its significant impact on food and economic security,” Godwin Macharia, a scientist in charge of food crops and research at the KALRO said.
“The cassava variety that we have developed is resistant to the disease and could considerably improve the crop’s ability to feed Africa while generating income for smallholder farmers.”
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He added that the variety has the potential to yield up to 50 metric tons per hectare compared to 11 metric tons per hectare when using the local cassava varieties.
Macharia is optimistic that the new variety will boost cassava production in the country following a successful pilot in the coastal region and in the Western Kenya where farmers have started to receive improved seeds.
“Once the majority of farmers adopt the improved cassava seeds in the country, we believe Kenya’s production will triple due to increased yields per hectare coupled with the fact that the improved cassava matures in half the time it takes for the traditional varieties to mature,” he said.
