Abstract:
There is increased rate of crop variety release and replacement of old varieties that have
over time succumbed to pests and diseases. The breeding and product pipelines of various
commodities are full with a focus on increased genetic gains. The highlight of FY2014/2015
was variety release for commercialization of 2 cassava varieties resistant to (MD and tolerant
to CBSD yield and 3 stress tolerant maize hybrids combining disease resistance, drought
and low nitrogen tolerance. The new cassava variety NaroCass 1 which is tolerant to virus
diseases, together with the previously released NASE 14 and NASE 3 are now widely used in
the beer production industry for example Engule.