The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has donated a state-of-the-art seed dressing machine to over 7,000 rice farmers in Kenya to boost rice seed production and scaling up improved rice varieties in the East African nation.
The farmers who are dawn from Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MRGM) – the largest farmers’ cooperative in East and Southern Africa (ESA) are set to benefit from the donation that marks a major milestone in enhancing rice seed operations within the country.
MRGM plays a pivotal role as a registered seed producer and merchant, ensuring the availability of improved rice varieties in Kenya under a licensing agreement with Kenya Agricultural, and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
However, the cooperative has faced significant challenges in manual seed treatment, which has limited its operational efficiency and scale.
To address this pressing issue and drive rice production growth, IRRI’s donated modern seed dresser will be capable of processing 3-5 tons of rice seed per hour, revolutionizing the seed dressing process for the growers.
Previously, the laborious manual drum seed dressing operation required 24 hours and a team of nine individuals to process the same seed quantity.
Minimizing ice imports
IRRI’s timely contribution of a modern seed dresser reflects its commitment to addressing the pressing need of minimizing rising rice imports in ESA, which have exerted a heavy burden on local economies.
With declining rice self-sufficiency rates in various African countries, including Kenya, the availability of high-quality seed for improved climate-smart varieties is vital to reverse this trend.
Over the past decade, IRRI has been at the forefront of developing market-demanded and climate-resilient rice varieties, having released nearly forty varieties in the region.
The modern seed dressing machine donated to MRGM not only enhances quality seed production but also aligns with IRRI’s and the Kenyan government’s mission to boost the overall rice sector in Kenya.
High-yielding varieties
IRRI’s efforts in the region focus on driving the widespread adoption of climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties.
In many countries where farmers continue to rely on outdated varieties, some of which were released over four decades ago, the combination of these new varieties and the use of quality seed is expected to significantly contribute to regional food and income security.
During the handover event, Dr. Rosemary Murori, IRRI Country Representative for Kenya and Tanzania, emphasized the importance of enhancing MRGM’s capacity for quality seed production.
She highlighted that by bolstering MRGM’s capacity, farmers gain increased access to seeds of improved rice varieties such as Komboka.
“This effort will contribute to higher rice yields, decreased rice imports in Kenya, and aligns with the National Rice Development Strategy and the government’s Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for 2022-2027.”
Government support
Dr. Mary Mutembei, Head of the Rice Promotion Programme (RiPP) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, expressed gratitude to IRRI for its unwavering support in strengthening the rice sector in Kenya and bolstering seed systems.
Dr. Mutembei highlighted the government’s expansion program to increase the area under rice cultivation, which is expected to drive the demand for rice seed to approximately 7,500 MT by 2030.
“The modern seed dressing machine provided by IRRI significantly enhances MRGM’s capacity to produce quality seed, meeting the growing demand in the country. With improved efficiency, quality rice seed will be made available to farmers in a timely manner and at an affordable price.”
Mr. Muriuki, CEO of MRGM, expressed gratitude for the seed dresser provided by IRRI, emphasizing the transformative impact it will have on rice seed processing operations at the cooperative.
He firmly believes that this generous contribution strengthens MRGM’s position as a leader in providing quality seed to farmers in Kenya and sets a model for emulation by other farmers’ cooperatives in East and Southern Africa.
