The production of barley in Narok County is set to rise following the invention of two new varieties that give higher yields and are less resistant to diseases.
Speaking while unveiling the latest variety at Olokurto area in Narok North Sub County, the Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director Mark Ocitti said the new varieties are expected to motivate farmers to produce more barley.
The new varieties known as 'Propino' and 'Laureate' are said to be good at disease resistance allowing for reduced fungicide inputs and they also mature early.
Both varieties, he said, have excellent yields producing about seven tonnes per acre as opposed to the old variety 'Grace' that yielded six tonnes per acre.
