Sironko — Despite a long drought, farmers who planted a new variety of maize have every reason to smile, as their harvests this season are likely to double.

The Sc 407 variety, a medium hybrid, takes only 100-110 days to mature. It is suited for medium altitude zones at 1000 - 3000 metres above sea level.

The variety is on trial in Sironko district for the first time. Mr Sammy Okita, the Agronomist for Agri-Seed Company, said the variety is drought and disease resistant, has good husk cover, and yields 6-8 tonnes (26-35 100kg bags) of maize per acre.

He told farmers recently that the Sc 407 has 500 percent yield compared to the indigenous breed. "Our target, in line with the government's Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture, is to help farmers reap high [volumes] within a short time by providing high yielding, pest and drought resistant varieties of crops," he said.

Due to its high yield, the Sc 407 will boost commercial farming hence improve on rural farmers' incomes. Okita said the variety, developed in Botswana and Zimbabwe, has been introduced in Iganga, Mbale, Sironko, Mbarara, Mubende, Kasese and Masindi districts.

Mr Abasa Wamunga, a farmer in Sironko, said he planted Sc 407 along with other maize varieties in April but by mid June he had already started harvesting Sc 407 while the other varieties were still immature.

"While many farmers are crying about drought and pests, I am not bothered because I planted Sc 407 which is resistant and takes a short time to mature. I expect to get above 100 percent from my garden," Mr Moses Kibisi, another farmer, said.

Mr. Patrick Kibele, the district secretary for production, urged the seed company to spread the maize variety in the district to benefit all farmers.