Sana’a: The General Authority for Agricultural Research and Guidance, represented by the Regional Station for Highland Research, launched the harvest of local thyme, wheat, and barley crops as part of a program aimed at maintaining and multiplying improved varieties of cereals and legumes.
According to Yemen News Agency, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alfi, Chairman of the Authority’s Board, stated that the launch includes the harvest of the local pea variety “Al-Bazella” spread over 2.5 hectares, with an average yield of 1.5 tons per hectare. In addition, the harvest encompasses the local barley variety ‘Saqlah’ and the improved varieties ‘Ashmur’ and ‘Kawkaban’ on nine hectares, also yielding an average of 1.5 tons per hectare. The improved wheat varieties ‘Bakil,’ ‘Research 13,’ and ‘Research 37’ are being harvested on five hectares, with an expected yield of approximately four tons per hectare.
During the launch, attended by the Authority’s Vice President Dr. Abed Al-Bail and Dr. Abdulsalam Shakhb, Director General of the Central Highlands Research Station, it was noted that these activities are being executed at the station’s research farm. The program aims to enhance the productivity of cereal and legume crops, both local and improved varieties, that are suitable for the environmental and climatic conditions of the Central Highlands, which encompass the governorates of Dhamar, Al-Bayda, Raymah, and parts of Ibb and Al-Dhale’.
Dr. Shakhb emphasized the program’s significance in increasing crop productivity and improving quality. The initiative plays a crucial role in evaluating crops initially at the research farm, then with farmers, and subsequently distributing them to regional farmers. This approach aims to boost overall productivity in pursuit of self-sufficiency.
He further noted that this activity is part of ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural production by increasing and improving yields through the application of modern agricultural techniques. The dedication of the research staff in implementing programs and activities that serve agricultural production was also recognized.