Nairobi: Kenya is taking decisive steps to address its significant rice importation deficit, currently standing at 85%, by developing a robust seed system for rice production. Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Director General, Dr. Eliud Kireger, announced a strategic partnership with the Korean Government aimed at supporting the development of certified quality rice seeds.
According to Kenya News Agency, this collaboration was highlighted during a one-day symposium in Nairobi focused on rice production. Dr. Kireger noted that the increasing consumption of rice, particularly among the younger generation who prefer it over traditional staples like 'Ugali,' necessitates a boost in local production capacity. The partnership involves testing high-yielding rice varieties from Korea and adapting them to Kenya's agricultural landscape.
Dr. Kireger emphasized the establishment of a new facility at KALRO Mwea, which will produce certified seeds for farmers. This initiative will also extend to regions such as the Coast, Ahero, and Nyanza. The goal is to empower farmers to enhance their productivity from the current 2.5 to 3 tonnes per hectare to between 4.5 and 7 tonnes per hectare. The Korean government's support extends to infrastructure development for seed production, cleaning, and storage.
Korean Ambassador to Kenya, Hyung-Shik Kang, highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Kenya and Korea, underscoring the agricultural sector's pivotal role in employment. He discussed the K-Rice Belt project, which aims to bolster food production and tackle food shortages, particularly in rice. The ambassador also expressed intentions to expand this project and explore broader business opportunities in Kenya's agricultural sector.
Dr. Ruth Musila, Centre Director for KALRO Mwea and principal investigator for the KOPIA project, shared insights into the trial of three new rice varieties-Ukafasi 39, ISRIS 6, and ISRIS 7-under the National Performance Trial Season 1. She anticipates the results by January next year, which could lead to the release of these varieties. These high-yielding varieties offer flexibility, thriving under both irrigated and rain-fed lowland conditions.
The Africa K-Rice Belt project is a flagship collaboration that aligns with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the National Rice Development Strategy, both focusing on reducing rice imports. With rice demand growing rapidly due to shifts in dietary preferences and urbanisation, the symposium's discussions and partnerships are timely and crucial for Kenya's agricultural future.