NERICA: Higher Yields, Resilience, and Profitability for African Farmers.
NERICA varieties exhibit exceptional agronomic traits tailored to African growing conditions. With potential yields ranging from 2 to 6 tons per hectare, they offer a significant boost in productivity. These varieties demonstrate low susceptibility to weed infestations and display resilience to short-term drought, making them well-suited for regions with unpredictable rainfall patterns. Furthermore, their adaptability to poor soils underscores their suitability for diverse agricultural landscapes. NERICA's moderate resistance to major diseases like rust and leaf blight, along with its tolerance to pests such as nematodes and leafminers, minimizes the need for chemical interventions. This robust combination of traits positions NERICA as a vital asset for sustainable and resilient agriculture in Africa.
This technology is TAAT1 validated.
Positive or neutral impact
Positive or neutral impact
NERICA positively impacts gender by providing increased opportunities for women's participation in agriculture and enhancing their food security. It also contributes to climate resilience through its drought tolerance and adaptability to varied environmental conditions, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change.
To integrate this technology into your project, consider the following activities and prerequisites:
Breeders and seed suppliers should develop NERICA varieties tailored to conditions in growing areas.
Conduct awareness-raising campaigns with farmers to highlight the benefits of planting improved rice varieties for food production and risk mitigation.
Ensure equitable access and financial support for local suppliers and smallholder farmers to catalyze investments and purchases of NERICA rice.
Estimate the quantity of seeds needed for your project, considering a technology cost of USD 0.8 to 1.2 per kilogram. Also, include delivery costs to the project site and account for import clearance and duties if relevant.
Consider engaging a team of trainers to provide training and support during project installation, including costs for training and post-training support. Develop communication materials such as flyers, videos, and radio broadcasts to support the technology.
For better optimization of the improved maize variety, consider associating this technology with Deep urea placement for nitrogen management, Foliar micronutrient addition, Engineered irrigation surfacing, and Motorized weeders for cutting and burying paddy weeds.
To implement the technology in your country, explore collaborations with agricultural development institutes and seed multiplication companies.
Per kg of seeds
with and without fertilizer
Open source / open access
Country | Tested | Adopted |
---|---|---|
Benin | –Not tested | Adopted |
Burundi | –Not tested | Adopted |
Cameroon | –Not tested | Adopted |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | –Not tested | Adopted |
Gambia | –Not tested | Adopted |
Ghana | –Not tested | Adopted |
Guinea | –Not tested | Adopted |
Kenya | –Not tested | Adopted |
Malawi | –Not tested | Adopted |
Mali | –Not tested | Adopted |
Mozambique | –Not tested | Adopted |
Nigeria | –Not tested | Adopted |
Rwanda | –Not tested | Adopted |
Sierra Leone | –Not tested | Adopted |
Tanzania | –Not tested | Adopted |
Uganda | –Not tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arid | ||||
Semiarid | ||||
Subhumid | ||||
Humid |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
Select the Appropriate Variety: Choose based on your specific growing conditions (lowland or upland) and field characteristics.
Prepare the Field: Ensure thorough ploughing, and levelling, and create bunds if needed for water management.
Planting Options: Direct seeding by broadcasting, drilling, dibbling, or transplanting seedlings from a well-maintained seedbed.
Maintain Proper Spacing: Allow for optimal plant growth and development.
Monitor and Manage Water: Ensure consistent moisture levels, especially during critical growth stages.
Weed Control: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and space.
Fertilize Appropriately: Apply recommended fertilizers based on soil nutrient levels and variety requirements.
Manage Pests and Diseases: Monitor and take necessary measures for control.
Harvest at Maturity: Harvest when grains are mature and moisture content is 18-22%, using sickles or mechanical harvesters.
Dry and Thresh: Reduce moisture content through drying, then separate grains from stalks through threshing.
Store Properly: Keep harvested rice in well-sealed containers in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from moisture and pests.
Last updated on 22 May 2024