The government of Kenya has announced plans to introduce hybrid rice seeds for commercial production next season.
This follows a partnership between the government and African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) which will see farmers in the country planting hybrid rice seeds from the next season which will raise production and lower import bills.
AATF Project Manager, Dr. Sanni Kayode confirmed the report and said the move comes after years of research locally on methods to increase rice production, create employment and encourage youth to venture into rice farming as agribusiness.
Hybrid seeds
AATF were working closely with the government, seed companies and millers in the breeding project, Dr. Kayole explained that the idea was to ensure farmers produce quality and uniform grain that is good for millers. The hybrid matures in 100 days instead of the 120 to 150 days for the varieties currently in the market. Both parties have embarked on sensitization campaign to educate rice farmers and millers on the hybrid seeds ahead of the planting.
“The hybrid seeds after approval by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) would raise rice yields from 20 bags to 50 bags per acre and hence raise incomes for farmers. We initiated the development of hybrid seeds with the Hybrid East Africa breeders at the Hola station, and the breeders have used the two-line hybrid rice technology to produce the hybrid seeds,” said Dr. Kayode.
He explained that the two-line system was reliant on temperature and that hybrid rice germplasm was suitable with weather conditions in Africa. Rice consumption in the country has been growing rapidly and is expected to reach 1,292,000 tons by 2030.
