Mayun 1 Rice Seed VS Gawal R1 Rice Variety
April 11, 2025As a professional agronomist working with Nigerian farmers for years, I’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right rice variety can make or break a farming season. Two of the most talked-about seeds today are Mayun 1 (a hybrid rice variety) and GAWAL R1 (a high-yield conventional variety). Both have been developed to boost productivity, but which one is truly better for Nigerian farmers?
In this in-depth guide, I’ll break down:
Yield potential – Which variety gives more tons per hectare?
Disease resistance – How do they handle common rice pests?
Growing conditions – Soil, water, and climate suitability
Economic benefits – Profitability and market demand
Where to buy – Why HTS Farms is the best source for certified seeds
By the end, you’ll know exactly which seed fits your farm’s needs.
Overview of Mayun 1 and GAWAL R1 Rice Varieties
Mayun 1 Rice Seed (Hybrid Variety)
Developed by Green Agriculture West Africa Limited (GAWAL) under the Rice Seed Project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mayun 1 is a hybrid rice seed designed for high yield and adaptability.
Key Features:
Yield: 8 to 12 metric tons per hectare (depending on input such as fertilizer, water, and weed control)
Maturity: 90 to 100 days after transplanting
Disease Resistance: Strong against bacterial leaf blight and rice blast
Grain Quality: High milling quality, good for local and export markets
Grain Quality: Long grains, longer than Faro and Gawal varieties
Growing Conditions: Can be cultivated in both upland and lowland areas
Best For: Flood plain fields, commercial rice farming
GAWAL R1 Rice Variety (Conventional High-Yield Variety)
GAWAL R1 was first registered in Nigeria in 2017 and has since gained popularity due to its 25% higher yield than traditional varieties like Faro 44 .
Key Features:
Yield: Approximately 10.4 metric tons per hectare
Maturity: About 90 days after transplanting
- Grain Quality: Good quality, slightly shorter grains than Mayun 1
Disease Resistance: Resistant to blast disease 6
Grain Quality: Good, but slightly less refined than Mayun 1
- Growing Conditions: Best suited for fadama (irrigated lowland) areas, especially where the fadama is deep enough
Best For: Farmers with access to irrigated lowland or deep fadama soils
Yield Comparison: Which Performs Better?
The biggest question farmers ask is, “Which seed gives more harvest?” Here’s a breakdown comparison:
| Metric | Mayun 1 | GAWAL R1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Yield (tons/ha) |
8 – 12 (input dependent) |
10.4 |
|
Increase Over Faro 44 |
+55% |
+25% |
|
Harvest Frequency |
2 cycles/year possible |
1–2 cycles |
|
Maturity (days) |
90 – 100 |
90 |
|
Grain Length |
Longer than Gawal and Faro |
Shorter than Mayun 1 |
|
Suitable Ecology |
Upland and lowland, flood plains |
Fadama (deep irrigated lowland) |
Summary:
Mayun 1 wins in raw yield, making it ideal for large-scale commercial farming.
GAWAL R1 is still a strong choice for farmers looking for better-than-local performance without switching to hybrids yet.
- Mayun 1 offers flexibility in growing conditions and longer grains, with yields that can reach up to 12 tons per hectare under optimal management.
- GAWAL R1 provides a consistently high yield of about 10.4 tons per hectare and is ideal for farmers with access to deep fadama irrigation.
Disease and Pest Resistance
Rice blast and bacterial blight are major threats in Nigeria. Here’s how these varieties compare:
| Disease | Mayun 1 Resistance | GAWAL R1 Resistance |
|---|---|---|
|
Rice Blast |
High resistance |
High resistance |
|
Bacterial Blight |
High resistance |
Moderate resistance |
|
General Pest Attacks |
Low susceptibility |
Low susceptibility |
Interpretation:
Mayun 1’s hybrid genetics give it an edge in disease resistance.
GAWAL R1 is still reliable, but may need slightly more care in high-disease zones.
- Both varieties show strong resistance to rice blast disease, with Mayun 1 also having good resistance to bacterial leaf blight. This makes Mayun 1 slightly more robust in high disease pressure environments, potentially reducing pesticide costs.
Growing Conditions & Farm Suitability
Mayun 1 Requirements
Soil: Fertile floodplain fields.
Water: Needs consistent irrigation or high rainfall
Climate: Best in tropical/subtropical regions
- Mayun 1 thrives in both upland and lowland conditions and is especially recommended for flood plain fields due to its adaptability and grain quality.
GAWAL R1 Requirements
Soil: Adaptable to less fertile soils than Mayun 1
Water: Tolerates moderate drought better
Climate: More flexible across different agro-ecological zones
- GAWAL R1 is best suited for fadama areas where the soil is deep enough to support its growth, particularly in irrigated lowland ecologies.
Farmer’s Tip:
If you have good irrigation, go for Mayun 1 for maximum profit.
If your farm has unreliable water, GAWAL R1 is a safer bet.
Economic Benefits: Profitability & Market Demand
Cost of Seeds
Mayun 1’s higher yield potential and longer grains make it highly attractive for commercial farmers targeting premium markets. GAWAL R1, with its reliable yield and adaptability, is a strong choice for farmers transitioning from local varieties or those with limited irrigation.
Comparing Return on Investment (ROI)
| Factor | Mayun 1 | GAWAL R1 |
|---|---|---|
|
Yield Value (₦) |
Higher (more grain) |
Good, but less than Mayun 1 |
|
Market Demand |
High (premium hybrid) |
Strong (proven conventional) |
Key Takeaway:
Mayun 1’s higher yield justifies its cost for farmers targeting commercial sales.
GAWAL R1 is more budget-friendly for smallholders testing improved seeds.
Where to Buy Mayun 1 or GAWAL R1
If you’re convinced either Mayun 1 or GAWAL R1 is right for you, the next step is sourcing high-quality, certified seeds.
Why HTS Farms?
Certified seeds (ensures germination rates above 90%) 4
Trusted supplier (works with research institutes like NCRI)
Affordable pricing (competitive rates for bulk buyers)
Click Below to Get Your Seeds Today:
Final Recommendation
Choose Mayun 1 if you want maximum yield, longer grains, and adaptability across different ecologies, especially flood plains. Choose GAWAL R1 if you have access to deep fadama irrigation and want a high-yielding, blast-tolerant variety with a shorter maturity period.
Ready to boost your rice farm’s productivity? Get certified Mayun 1 or GAWAL R1 seeds from HTS Farms today!
FAQs: Mayun 1 vs. GAWAL R1 Rice Seeds
Final Recommendation
After several field tests and farmer feedback, here’s my verdict:
Choose Mayun 1 if you want maximum yield, disease resistance, and commercial profit.
Choose GAWAL R1 if you prefer a proven, adaptable variety at a lower cost.
Ready to boost your rice farm’s productivity? Get certified Mayun 1 or GAWAL R1 seeds from HTS Farms today!
