Kampala — There is maize being harvested in all corners of Uganda. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this is likely to be the biggest maize harvest in a very long time.

The harvests would be even better, if two new maize varieties that may change the face of maize production in the region had already hit the farms. The two varieties, the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) and the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) are currently under going field tests in the East African region.

The varieties are being promoted by the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF). Other organisations taking part include the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre and Monsanto.

For the last five years, incidences of hunger have ravaged most parts of eastern Africa. According to farmers, they responded to this need to fight hunger. Most of the maize has been produced on plots averaging one-and-a-half acres. By Ugandan standards, an acre of maize produces four tons at the farm. On average though, maize production is as low as 1.5 to two tons per acre.

By international standards, an acre produces almost nine tons. "There are many factors that prevent us from producing at maximum," says Sam Mukalazi, a maize farmer. He cites unpredictable weather patterns and poor quality of seeds. In Teso and other parts of Uganda in 2008 and 2009, drought caused an almost 100% crop failure.

WEMA and DTMA will improve production of maize by between 30% and 35%. "The project will benefit 30 million to 40 million people," says Dr Sylvester Oikeh, the WEMA project manager.

The two varieties are genetically modified. The variety was discovered when a bacteriam, that was found to be resistant to drought was merged with existing varieties.

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