This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
December 1, 2019
Kenya's rice sector is set to benefit from a new plan aimed at ridding the industry of unscrupulous traders who sell fake seeds to farmers.
According to Vincent Koskei, a researcher at the Mwea Irrigation Agricultural Centre, the plan involves ensuring that only quality seeds are available in the market.
Under the proposal, farmers will only buy certified seeds packaged in labelled bags from authorized dealers.
KEPHIS, the National Irrigation Board, and the Mwea Irrigation Agricultural Development Center (MIAD) have listed all certified seed breeders online to help farmers detect fake products.
“This initiative is meant to rid the rice sector of fake seeds and once achieved, it will improve production and increase financial returns to farmers,” Koskei said.
He added that new rice varieties, which can be grown through rain-fed agriculture or irrigation, will be released to farmers in all rice-growing areas in the country.
KEPHIS will closely monitor the breeding process, harvesting, packing, and distribution to ensure that only quality seeds are available.
With this initiative, Kenya hopes to bridge the 450,000 metric tons deficit of rice experienced in the country and achieve national food security goals.
