Thika: The Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has recently introduced four new climate-smart, high-yielding rice varieties-Kalgold, Kalpaa, Kalfine, and Kal-Imara-to boost production, reduce imports, and enhance farmers' incomes.
According to Kenya News Agency, these new rice varieties are designed for high yields, improved disease resistance, faster maturity, and resilience to climate-related challenges. Kalgold, in particular, can produce up to 5.5 tons per hectare, offering a competitive choice for farmers across the country.
Rice remains a significant staple food in Kenya, yet the nation faces a substantial production deficit. Currently, Kenya produces only about 20 percent of its annual demand, approximately 230,000 tonnes, while consuming over one million metric tonnes annually. This shortfall has led to over Sh55 billion in imports each year, emphasizing the urgent need for increased local production.
KALRO has been actively promoting these new high-yielding, climate-smart rice varieties to encourage adoption by farmers and ultimately enhance national food security. Speaking at a two-day Kilimo Biashara Expo in Thika, a program that has been running for five years, Sammy Kagito, an agronomist and senior research scientist from KALRO Mwea, stated that the new varieties are in the process of multiplication and will soon be available for planting.
Kagito highlighted that while most farmers are familiar with Komboka rice, the premium variety, the new options are not only high-yielding but also suited to different ecological zones and farmer preferences. Kalgold, for instance, is tolerant to cold, making it resilient against frost, a major challenge in certain regions. Kal-Imara is ideal for saline soils, such as those found in coastal counties, including Kwale and Tana River. Kalfine and Kalpaa are designed for early maturity, allowing farmers to harvest even in changing climatic conditions.
Kagito also addressed the persistent challenges posed by the Quelea bird, which causes significant damage to crops like rice and wheat in sub-Saharan Africa. The new rice varieties are developed with a 'frag leaf' that emerges on top of the panicle, deterring birds from feeding on the seed. For early-maturing varieties, farmers are advised to plant and harvest early to collect crops before the birds arrive.
The new rice varieties are suitable for irrigated ecologies such as Mwea, Bura in Tana River, Bunyala in Busia, West Kano in Kisumu, Taita in Taita Taveta, and selected areas in Kwale. Kagito noted that each variety underwent national performance trials to determine its adaptability and productivity across different ecological zones.
To support farmers, KALRO plans to sell the seeds at Sh130 per two kilograms at KALRO Mkulima shops nationwide, subsidized under a sustainable production project. The actual price is Sh160, but the subsidy aims to encourage widespread adoption. Kagito urged farmers to embrace the new varieties due to their high yields, aroma, resilience, and adaptability, which will improve both income and food security.
KALRO has also pioneered public engagement initiatives such as 'Mkulima Open Week', facilitating access to research outputs and agricultural technologies. Through these platforms, farmers and other stakeholders can interact with scientists, gain knowledge about new crop varieties, and receive hands-on demonstrations to support adoption.
The introduction of these new rice varieties is part of KALRO's commitment to improving food security and farmer livelihoods. By integrating climate-smart traits, early maturity, and farmer-preferred qualities, the organization aims to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable rice production across the country.