Research Institute Kicks Off Barley Breeding Programme

Mar 19 , 2022


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The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research has launched a barley breeding programme in hopes of introducing new, high-quality raw barley for malt and beer production. The 950,000 euro programme is being carried out with support from three malthouses – Assela Malt Factory Plc, Boortmalt Ethiopia Plc, and Gondar Malt Factory Plc – as well as the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). The project looks to address insufficiencies in fulfilling brewing industry standards and benefit nearly 40,000 barley-producing farming households. The Institute plans to breed new barley seed varieties at its laboratories and distribute them to farmers. If the project proves successful, the seeds will be provided to seed producers.


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