Mwea: The government has intensified efforts to boost rice production in the country following the launch of a modern certified rice seed processing facility at Kirogo Farm in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. Speaking during the launch, Agriculture Principal Secretary, Paul Kipronoh Ronoh said the new facility will help improve rice production in the country through the supply of affordable certified seeds to farmers.

According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ronoh noted that Kenya currently produces only 23 percent of the rice consumed in the country, forcing the government to rely heavily on imports to bridge the deficit. He however expressed optimism that the new facility will help reduce rice importation by improving local production and increasing yields among farmers. He said the facility, jointly funded by the Governments of Kenya and South Korea through the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), is expected to produce 40 tonnes of certified seeds per day and approximately 700 tonnes annually.

'The facility has all the required technology and storage systems needed to maintain quality certified seeds for farmers. This will help improve yields and support farmers with affordable seeds,' said Dr. Ronoh. The PS added that the project will also attract more youth and investors into agriculture while supporting the government's food security agenda.

South Korean Ambassador to Kenya Kang Hyung-shik said agriculture remains a vital sector in Kenya, contributing about 23 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product and supporting more than 50 percent of employment opportunities. The ambassador said South Korea and Kenya have maintained strong diplomatic and development cooperation since 1964, adding that several agricultural programmes initiated through KOPIA have greatly improved farming in the country.

He noted that South Korea has been importing Kenyan tea and coffee and is also working towards importing avocados from Kenya once the process is finalized. 'We are seeking to expand cooperation in agricultural technology and mechanization to improve food production and farmers' incomes,' said Kang.

The ambassador further revealed that the Korean government is supporting humanitarian programmes in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps while also supporting agricultural projects aimed at improving food security. Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Dr. John Gachara thanked the national government and the South Korean government for supporting agricultural transformation in the county through the facility.

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Dr. Patrick Ketiem said the modern technology installed at the facility will directly benefit farmers through improved access to quality seeds. Dr. Ketiem said KALRO has already developed five rice varieties including Komboka, Mkombozi and Tongil, which are high yielding and disease resistant.

He said some of the varieties are capable of producing up to seven tonnes per acre, adding that KALRO will work closely with cooperatives and farmers' organizations to ensure farmers access certified seeds. 'The future of rice farming in Kenya is promising. We shall do everything possible to ensure farmers get quality certified seeds,' he said.

Dr. Ketiem thanked the South Korean government for supporting training programmes for Kenyan agricultural experts in Korea, noting that the knowledge acquired will help improve rice farming technologies in Kenya. KOPIA Kenya Country Director Ji Gang Kim said the project started in 2024 and is expected to greatly contribute to Kenya's rice production.

He said the facility will not only train Kenyan farmers but will also serve farmers from across East Africa on modern rice farming technologies. Meanwhile, Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society agronomist Michael Mwangi said the region has faced challenges in seed production for years but expressed optimism that the new facility will address the problem.

Mwangi said rice production in Mwea has significantly increased following the completion of Thiba Dam and called on the government to prioritize locally produced rice. He urged farmers to embrace certified seeds to increase production and improve their incomes.

The launch of the facility is expected to strengthen Kenya's efforts towards achieving food security and reducing dependency on imported rice.