Rice farmers in 13 counties are set to benefit from a Sh700 million program aimed at boosting rice production through the distribution of certified seeds.
This five-year initiative, led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KARLO) in collaboration with the Korea Partnership for Innovation Agriculture (KOPIA), aims to enhance the availability, accessibility, and affordability of high-quality seeds.
During the launch at the KALRO branch in Kimbimbi, Mwea constituency, KARLO Director General Eliud Kireger stated that the program will involve enlisting farmers to produce certified seeds for distribution to other growers. The initiative is expected to yield over 800,000 metric tonnes of rice seed over five years, increasing national rice production by more than 25% annually.
Kireger highlighted that rice consumption in Kenya has risen to between 950,000 and 1 million metric tonnes, while local production only meets 250,000 metric tonnes. This shortfall forces the country to import 80% of its rice, costing approximately Sh34 billion each year.
KOPIA Country Director Ji Gang Kim emphasized that the program will not only supply sustainable, certified seeds but will also introduce mechanization for planting, weeding, and drying rice, significantly reducing production costs and post-harvest losses. Currently, many farmers rely on drying their harvests on open roads, leading to losses of up to 40% and posing health risks.
Antony Mugambi, Director of Kilimo Trust Kenya, noted that the project will focus on producing climate-resilient hybrid seeds, ensuring that rice farming in Kenya is sustainable and climate-smart, ultimately reducing the reliance on rice imports.
