Kilifi’s Yields Rise with the Introduction of Hybrid Cassava.

Janet Mwangala, a dedicated farmer from Mtepeni, Mtwapa in Kilifi County, has been cultivating cassava on her one-acre farm for the past four years. Initially, she grew conventional cassava varieties that were vulnerable to diseases. However, after transitioning to hybrid cassava, she has seen remarkable improvements.

To reduce disease risks, Janet was advised to purchase clean cuttings from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in Mtwapa instead of sourcing them from neighboring farms. “I ensure that I plant clean cuttings sourced from KALRO, which have proven to be much better,” she explained. “Planting unclean cassava cuttings puts you at risk of harvesting crops affected by diseases.”

Janet previously focused on maize cultivation but has since expanded her operations to include more cassava. While cassava takes about eight months to mature, maize only requires three months. Planting one acre of cassava requires approximately 4,000 cuttings, each costing Sh5, leading to a total investment of Sh20,000. Despite the costs, many farmers choose to borrow cuttings from their neighbors, which can lead to disease issues.

“This approach is risky because the borrowed seedlings may not be disease-free. From my experience, investing in clean cuttings is crucial for a successful harvest,” she emphasized.

Janet grows the improved Tajirika cassava variety, which yields about 10 kilograms per plant. Depending on market conditions, a kilogram can sell for between Sh10 and Sh25. “If you plant 4,000 cuttings, and each plant yields 10 kilograms, you can earn between Sh1,000 and Sh2,500 per tree. This represents a solid return on investment,” she stated.

She also highlighted challenges such as limited land availability and the prevalence of diseases like cassava mosaic disease and brown streak. Using clean plant cuttings can help mitigate these challenges.

Dr. Paul Kuria, a cassava breeder at KALRO, noted that cassava is a staple crop that can serve as an alternative to cereals, which are often affected by diseases such as maize lethal necrosis and pests like the fall armyworm. Cassava is primarily cultivated in the Coastal, Central, and Western regions. Dr. Kuria explained that viral diseases, particularly mosaic and brown streak diseases, pose significant threats to cassava production. While KALRO has developed conventional breeding methods for resistance to mosaic disease, sources of natural resistance for brown streak disease are limited.

“To tackle this issue, we are utilizing genetic modification,” he explained. At KALRO-Mtwapa’s confined field trial site, researchers are combining conventional breeding with genetic modification to create varieties that are resistant to viral diseases. “We have undergone multiple breeding cycles over the past decade, ensuring that our varieties are safe for humans and the environment,” Dr. Kuria added.

KALRO has collaborated with farmers, policymakers, and regulators, such as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, to successfully develop these new cassava varieties. The researchers have observed improved yields and recently completed the first season of national performance trials. They are preparing for a second season, expecting that the new varieties will be available to farmers by the end of 2025, provided that all legal challenges are addressed.

Dr. Kuria emphasized that the new cassava varieties are based on selections that meet farmers’ needs, focusing on yield, harvesting ability, plant architecture, and cyanide content.

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