Agricultural innovation: New sorghum hybrid with a 25% increase in yield released in Zimbabwe
ICRISAT Media Release
Zimbabwean farmers are poised for greater yield and income gains as a result of a recent agricultural innovation breakthrough - the release of a new hybrid of white sorghum (great millet) that also promises greater resilience to erratic rainfall.
Collaboration between ICRISAT and the Pan African Seed Company, the Seed Co Group, resulted in the development of the new variety that has a yield potential of up to 8 tonnes per hectare, offering farmers a 25% yield increase over existing varieties.
Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, said the release of this new sorghum hybrid is a significant achievement resulting from innovative research conducted through the Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrid Parents Research Consortium (SPMHPRC).
Seed-Co Global Research & Development Head, Dr Gorden Mabuyaye said that their partnership with ICRISAT strives to bring innovative and high-performing seeds to market.
Dr Rebbie Harawa, ICRISAT’s Regional Director and Country Representative – Kenya, Eastern & Southern Africa, applauded all stakeholders in the development of the hybrid and for their tenacity in managing its multi-environment trials over three successive cropping seasons.
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