A new variety of beans in Kenya grows exceptionally well even in hot weather

Published 2024년 4월 23일

Tridge summary

Kenya has developed a climate-resistant bean variety, Nyota, which is drought and disease tolerant, and high in iron and zinc content. The breeding process involved selecting parents with desired characteristics and conducting multiple crossings. The beans, which cook quickly, have been well-received by farmers, leading to increased yields and profitability. Despite concerns about limited access to indigenous seeds and government regulations favoring commercial seeds, advocates stress the importance of breeding resistant varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security. The Nyota bean is set to boost Kenya's bean production, which currently falls short of consumer demand, and licenses have been granted to several seed companies to produce and distribute the seeds.

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Original content

The direction of breeding in Kenya can be an example to be followed in Hungary as well. Because the experts first assessed what properties needed to be strengthened to overcome the effects of climate change, and then created the new bean variety in accordance with these needs. The climate-conscious bean named Nyota, which means star in Kiswahili, not only symbolizes the resilience of agriculture, but also the hope for a sustainable future amid the challenges of climate change. Bean breeder David Karanja talked about the meticulous process of developing resistant varieties. "When we breed climate-conscious bean varieties, we use parents with known characteristics, such as drought tolerance. These are also combined with varieties that have a high iron and zinc content. The crossings are carried out until the desired breed is obtained. We will then conduct experiments with them at several locations," he said. Kenya's growing regions face a wide variety of challenges, from dry ...

Source: AgroForum