The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Mwea, in collaboration with the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Kenya Centre, has trained researchers, seed growers and extension officers from six African countries on quality rice seed production and processing, in a move aimed at strengthening food security and increasing rice productivity across the region.
The training brought together participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, focusing on technologies, innovations, management practices and regulatory requirements necessary for certified rice seed production.
Speaking during the programme, Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Dr. John Gachara highlighted the value of international partnerships in advancing agricultural innovation and facilitating knowledge exchange among countries.
As part of the training, participants undertook practical sessions at the certified rice seed processing facility at Kirogo Farm in Mwea, where they gained hands-on experience in seed processing and quality assurance procedures.
KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops Dr. Alice Murage lauded KOPIA and other development partners for supporting capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening rice production systems across Africa.
She encouraged participants to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the training to improve rice seed systems, enhance productivity and contribute to regional food security.
KALRO Mwea Centre Director Dr. Ruth Musila emphasized the importance of quality seed in transforming rice production and reducing dependence on imports.
“We can double our rice production, while reducing imports through the adoption of improved varieties and quality seed systems,” Dr. Musila said.
She noted that Kenya’s rice sector is supported by diverse production ecologies, including upland, irrigated and rain-fed lowland systems. According to Dr. Musila, about 80 per cent of the country’s rice is currently produced under irrigation, while KALRO continues to develop varieties suited to upland and rain-fed conditions.
Among the improved varieties being promoted are Komboka, Mkombozi and the recently released Tongil varieties, developed through collaboration between Kenyan and South Korean breeders.
“The Tongil varieties can yield between six and seven tonnes per hectare and are resistant to major rice diseases, making them suitable for increasing production and farmer incomes,” she added.
KOPIA Kenya Centre Director Dr. Ji Gang identified poor post-harvest handling as a major challenge affecting rice farmers, particularly the widespread practice of drying rice on roadsides.
“After harvest, many farmers dry rice on roads, which leads to contamination, broken grains and reduced quality,” he said.
Dr. Ji said the modernized post-harvest facilities established in Mwea are helping address these challenges by supporting cleaner drying and more efficient processing of rice seed.
“Through these facilities, we can provide pure rice seed with high germination rates and improve post-harvest management in the Mwea area,” he added.
Participants from across the region described the training as a valuable platform for acquiring practical skills and technologies that can be shared with farmers to improve rice production.
Barnabas Sita from Tanzania said the exchange of experiences and exposure to modern technologies would contribute significantly to strengthening rice farming systems in participating countries.
He noted that governments across the region are investing in new technologies and farm equipment to boost rice production, adding that the knowledge gained from the training would enable extension officers to better support farmers in adopting improved farming practices.
The training is part of ongoing efforts by KALRO and KOPIA to strengthen sustainable rice production systems, improve seed quality and enhance food security across Africa.
