KALRO expands certified rice seed farm in Mwea to cut imports
KALRO and Korean partner KOPIA have started transplanting rice at a 65-hectare seed complex in Kirogo, Mwea. Kenya grows only 23 to 25 per cent of the rice it eats and aims to be self-sufficient by 2032.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is scaling up certified rice seed production in Mwea, Kirinyaga county. Its partner is the Korean Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA). The two have started transplanting rice at the K-Ricebelt seed production complex in Kirogo, The Star reported. The aim is to ease a shortage of certified seed that has held farmers back. KALRO deputy director for Crop Systems and Research Dr Benjamin Kibuva said the project would lift seed output to 450 tonnes from about 152 tonnes. He called the first 7.2-hectare block a major milestone. The complex is expected to cover 65 hectares once fully developed. Kibuva said Kenya produces only about 23 to 25 per cent of its rice needs. Annual consumption is estimated at more than 1.3 million tonnes. KALRO Mwea Centre director Ruth Musila said about 38 acres have been covered so far. Transplanting is under way on a further 18 acres. She said KALRO produced about 150 tonnes of certified rice seed in 2025 and is targeting 330 tonnes in 2026. The centre is…
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