Maximizing Farming Yield with Hybrid Seeds
In the quest for better agricultural returns, farmers gathered at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute in Serere District for the 36th edition of the Seeds of Gold farm clinic. This event, organized by Nation Media Group in collaboration with the Bank of Uganda, Stanbic Bank, and Jubilee Allianz General Insurance, emphasized the importance of hybrid crops and advanced farming technologies.
Dr. Sadik Kassim, the Naro deputy director general-in-charge of agriculture technology promotion, shed light on the advantages of hybrid seeds, highlighting their high vigour and yields. Hybrid seeds exhibit hybrid vigor or heterosis, resulting in superior yield and plant growth compared to their parent plants. Although some farmers have been hesitant to embrace hybrid seeds due to the need to purchase new seeds each planting season, Dr. Kassim stressed that the doubled yields offered by hybrid seeds make them a sound investment, enhancing both income and food security.
Speaking at the farm clinic, Dr. Kassim emphasized the essence of the event’s name, “Seeds of Gold,” indicating that the potential for gold in agriculture can be harnessed with the right knowledge. He pointed out that the clinic’s partners are committed to addressing key production factors, such as capital, fertilizers, seeds, and insurance, to support farmers in their journey to better yields.
Naro’s development of new crop varieties, like cassava, has been a game-changer, significantly reducing labor costs. Farmers can now save time and effort by weeding these varieties only twice before harvest, as these cassava plants form a canopy that suppresses weed growth, ensuring higher yields.
Mr. Michael Ugen, the director of NaSARRI, urged farmers to utilize the center as a valuable resource for acquiring knowledge about best agricultural practices to improve their yields. He emphasized that the potential of open pollinated varieties (OPV) should not overshadow the advantages of hybrid seeds, as the latter can significantly outperform OPV if proper agronomic practices are followed.
Mr. James Ochan, the principal technician in the sunflower department at NaSARRI, pointed out that some farmers favor OPV because they can sprout again when planted the following season. However, he emphasized that the long-term yield of OPV diminishes over time. In contrast, hybrid sunflower seeds offer higher yields, with an average of about 1,600 kilograms per acre, coupled with early maturation, ensuring quicker returns.
Ms. Sarah Natongo, the head of credit analysis and publicity at Stanbic Bank, encouraged farmers to take advantage of agricultural loans to boost their productivity. Stanbic Bank offers these financial products to farmers who express interest and demonstrate successful farming practices. As a demonstration of their commitment to the community, Ms. Natongo announced that the bank had distributed 100 boxes of mama kits to pregnant mothers at the district health center IV and has plans to provide much-needed beds to the under-equipped maternity ward, further strengthening their support for the local community.
