{
  "id": 18288927,
  "title": "KALRO to boost certified rice seeds production to meet demand",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/kalro-to-boost-certified-rice-seeds-production-to-meet-demand",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T10:02:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/kalro-to-boost-certified-rice-seeds-production-to-meet-demand/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenya's agricultural and livestock organization, KALRO, is ramping up efforts to increase the production of certified rice seeds to meet the nation's growing demand. In a bid to address the shortage of certified rice seeds in the country, KALRO has partnered with Korean Partnership For Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) from South Korea and embarked on a transplanting exercise. This initiative was discussed during a rice transplanting ceremony at the K-Ricebelt seed production complex in Kirogo, Mwea.\n\nDr Benjamin Kibuva, KALRO's deputy director in charge of crops systems and research, announced that they are targeting to produce 450 metric tonnes of certified seeds by next year. The government aims to stop rice imports by 2032 by ensuring the country meets its demands on the availability of certified seeds for farmers. Currently, Kenya is importing over 77% of its rice, which amounts to 1.3 million metric tonnes annually, compared to 320 metric tonnes of rice produced within the country.\n\nTo tackle the shortage of seeds and boost rice production, the government, in collaboration with its partners, has initiated transplanting in 7.2 hectares to produce seeds that will cover 65 hectares. KOPIA Country Director Ji Gang Kim highlighted that the transplanting project kicked off in 2024 and will play a crucial role in seed production, ensuring the availability of seeds to local farmers. Gang emphasized that the initiative will also generate job opportunities and enhance food production. He urged farmers to adopt technology and certified seeds to improve their yields.\n\nRuth Musila, in charge of the Mwea KALRO center, revealed that the organization has developed certified seeds like Komboka, which are resistant to diseases, require less water, have a low maturity rate, and offer high yields compared to traditional seeds. Lucy Njeri, a farmer, shared her struggles in finding seeds and expressed relief that with the completion of the center, they will now have access to seeds at a more affordable price.",
  "summary": "Kenya Agricultural And Livestock Organization (KALRO) has embarked on production of seeds in Mwea, Kirinhyaga County in a bid to address shortage of certified rice seeds in the country. KALRO in partnership with Korean Partnership For Innovation of Agriculture(KOPIA) from South Korea has embarked on transplanting exercise to boast production of rice seeds in the […] The post KALRO to boost…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}