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ORDA registered two new camelina varieties

By Esubalew Dires 

Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) is pioneer to introduce “camelina” crop for the first time in Ethiopia.  The Organization has been doing adaptation and variety verification trials in Amhara, Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Regions during the 2013 cropping season. Hence, two camelina oil crop varieties namely CV-1(American type) and Cv-2 (Sorian type) are registered as innovative technologies at national level. 

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Both verities are now registered by the standing National Variety Releasing Committee composed of Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Institutes and Universities. Trials were conducted in Amhara (Libo kemkem, Farta, Lay Gayint and Wadela), Oromia (Alemtena, Debre ziet) and Southern region (Hossaena and Areka) districts. In Ethiopia, camelina can grow from 1600-3300 masl agroecologies and has a wide range of adaptability.

Camelina CV-1(American type) and Cv-2 (Sorian type) yield 11.5 and 10.5q/ha respectively. However, with proper management, it can potentially yield upto 27 q/ ha. ORDA ensured that 34 litres of oil is extracted from a quintal with local mill but 45 litres will be extracted with advanced mill.

With regard to its quality, camelina is cholesterol free, low acid value (1.1%), rich in omega-3 fatty acid(64%), poly unsaturated fatty acid , mono unsaturated fatty acid(30%) and 2 to 4 years of shelf life. It has also a magnificent nutritional value containing fat (44.5%), protein (24.5%), amino acid (466) and thiamin.

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According to Asmamaw Kassahun, ORDA, together with EIAR and Hosana Poultry Farm plc, are offered a professional/property right, the regeneration and seed maintenance for these new technologies. ORDA also acknowledges farmers, project officers, head office and liaison office staff for their unreserved support. Upon its fruitfulness, ORDA’s leadership and commitment was really great. This is actually a great success of ORDA and congratulations!