Nairobi: The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Open Week exhibition is set to run throughout March, showcasing the latest advancements in crop and livestock development. The event aims to promote innovative agricultural techniques and foster collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and private sector stakeholders.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exhibition will feature agricultural innovations, field demonstrations, expert discussions, and engagements with various stakeholders. The focus is on advancing food security, climate resilience, and economic growth through innovative research, as stated by Dr. Thuo Mathenge, the National Chairman of KALRO, during the launch at KALRO Kabete in Nairobi.
Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director General of KALRO, emphasized the potential for reducing Kenya’s dependency on imported oil by encouraging sunflower farming. He highlighted the importance of introducing sunflower cultivation at the homestead level, reminiscent of the 1970s, to utilize funds currently spent on imports.
Kenya has 14 varieties of sunflower seeds, with significant potential for edible oil production. The country produces approximately 80,000 metric tonnes of sunflower but spends up to Sh117 billion annually on edible oil imports. Dr. Kireger stressed the importance of drought-tolerant varieties to address challenges posed by climate change.
The KALRO exhibition week, held annually across all KALRO centers, provides farmers with access to the latest technologies and varieties. The event includes a demo farm, allowing farmers to learn planting techniques and purchase planting materials. Dr. Kireger noted that over 400 crops are ready for commercialization, including two new drought-tolerant maize varieties, ‘Ukame’ and ‘Embu’.
KALRO has established several MOUs with private sector players in potatoes and maize for commercial production. The exhibitions also address challenges in extension services, enabling farmers to adopt new technologies in crop variety, management, seeds, disease, and pest control.
The field days have seen increasing participation over the past four years, contributing to employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. Dr. Kireger urged farmers to purchase seeds from certified agents to ensure quality production.
KALRO will conduct exhibitions at its 17 centers nationwide throughout March, encouraging farmers, stakeholders, and the public to learn about best practices shaping the future of Kenyan agriculture.