Are you busy planting? check out the best maize varieties to plant now!

Short rains have started in some parts of Kenya even though most parts continue to experience dry and hot weather. Therefore most farmers are preparing their farms for planting as they wait for rains. Maize is the staple food for Kenya due to the high consumption of its flour.

However, most farmers are still challenged on which variety is best for their different regions. Different maize varieties are bred for different regions or zones depending on climate patterns and soils.

According to Kenya agricultural and livestock research organization (KARLO), the major zones in Kenya include; the highlands, medium, dry and lowland zones.

1. Highland zone (Altitude:1500-2100m above sea level)

These are zones with high rainfall and include the following counties; Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Bungoma, Laikipia, Kisii, Narok. Some Tea zones of Central and Eastern provinces also fall in this category.

The recommended varieties for these regions include;

• Variety: H627, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential:  42 bags per acre
• Variety: H626, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential:  38 bags per acre
• Variety: H625, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential:  34 bags per acre
• Variety: H614D, Maturity: 6-9 months, Yield potential: 32 bags per acre

Read also: How we harvested 12 ,90kg bags from a quarter of an acre.

2. Highlands zone (Altitudes:1000-1700m above sea level)

They are high rainfall zones as well and include some parts of Baringo County, Siaya, Kisumu Bugoma, Kakamega, Nakuru and Taita Taveta counties.

The recommended varieties are;

• Variety: H632, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential: 24 bags per acre
• Variety: WE1101, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential: 24 bags per acre
• Variety: H622, Maturity: 6-8 months, Yield potential: 22 bags per acre

3. Coffee zones (1000-1800m above sea level)

Some of the counties include Kisii, Narok, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Busia, Kakamega, Bugoma, West Pokot, Keiyo and Marakwet.

The following varieties do well in this region;

• Variety: H513, Maturity: 4-5 months, Yield potential: 20 bags per acre
• Variety: PHB3253, Maturity: 4-5 months, Yield potential: 20 bags per acre
• Variety: H511, Maturity: 4-5 months, Yield potential: 16 bags per acre
• Variety: Duma 43, Maturity: 4-5 months, Yield potential: 18 bags per acre

Find out the best kales varieties to farm

3.Dryland areas (Altitude 1000-1800m above sea level)

Marginal areas with low rainfall (400mm-80mm) such as Kitui, Machakos, West Pokot, Makueni, Kajiado, Isiolo, lower Meru, Embu, Siaya and Kisumu counties.

The following varieties tend to do well in these zones;

• Variety: KDV1, KDV4, KDV6, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 12 bags per acre
• Variety: Sungura, Sawa, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 14 bags per acre
• Variety: DH01, DH02, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 14 bags per acre

4.Drier areas (800-1200m above sea level)

These counties include Kitui, Machakos and Makueni

The following variety is recommended;

• Variety: DLC, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 11 bags per acre

5. Lowland zones (0-1200m above sea level)

The recommended varieties are

• Variety: PH4, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 18 bags per acre
• Variety: PH1, Maturity: 3-4 months, Yield potential: 14 bags per acre

However, this is subject to change due to climate change and the release of new seeds resistant to diseases and with high production.

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