Where can the NERICA come in to alleviate the problem?
• Greater availability and access of rice seeds of improved varieties such as upland and lowland NERICA and Sahel varieties for the irrigated conditions using an integrated approach could help alleviate the pressure on domestic demand. Some of the NERICA varieties because of their adaptation to the local stresses and short growth duration which permit double cropping are popular with farmers. • However, it must be clear that NERICA and other improved varieties are an important component indeed the basis of rice production but they have to be put in the right setting. This includes improved access to credit, seed, mineral fertilizer and farm machinery (for land preparation and harvest and post-harvest practices); diffusion of best-bet knowledge on rice management options, enhanced infrastructure (roads, water control), improved links between rice production, processing and marketing and an enabling policy environment. • WARDA intends to facilitate and provide technical assistance to nat
