GAMBIA: Can farmers axe rice imports through ‘Nerica’?

BANJUL Thursday, November 06, 2008 (IRIN) - Heavy dependence on imported rice is crippling Gambian consumers, leading the government to call for New Rice for Africa, or Nerica, production to double. Nerica, a cross between low-yield African rice and high-yield Asian rice varieties, matures quickly, is more pest-resistant than many varieties, does not require intensive irrigation or fertilisers, and is high in protein. The African Rice Initiative (WARDA) and its partners, in search of a...