Partnerships incorporated with innovations towards seed generation could be essential in accelerating agricultural production in the country, experts now say.
Convening at this year’s annual Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) summit in Nairobi, they noted that this could be a relevant approach in tackling the evolving delicate nature of today's food system.
“The need to build a resilient agricultural system is paramount, and agricultural innovations are pivotal towards this since it allows for comprehensive utilisation of inputs across the seed value chain ultimately maximizing output and fostering optimal yields,” said STAK chairman, Wellingtone Wasike.
He added that stakeholders must now be deliberate in their efforts to ensure the seed industry makes available quality seed to farmers at an affordable cost and at the right time.
“Overall, there is need for concerted efforts by all players in the agricultural sector to adopt the emerging technologies in order to increase agricultural productivity as a way of increasing food security."
A recent study by Food and Land Use (FOLU), notes that despite the integral role the sector plays in Kenya’s food system and economy, it only realises 25 per cent of the total potential yields.
Among the reasons attributed for the under-performance, was the rapid depletion of critical micro and macro nutrients in the soil such as phosphorus, essential for optimal plant growth and yields.
STAK reiterates that inappropriate and insufficient seed generation is a also a major contributing factor to the under-performance.
To foster the propositions towards collaborations and joint innovations in seed generation, Wasike expressed satisfaction with the country’s progress in self-regulation implementation, citing the addition of more than 35 seed inspectors and over 15 seed analysts.
Also speaking during the summit, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development CS Mithika Linturi, stressed the prudent need to safeguard the sector’s production through collaborations and innovation adoption, noting the benefits the sector offers to the economy.
“The country’s economy is highly dependent on the agricultural sector which contributes close to 25 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product, accounts for about 65 per cent of total exports and provides employment for over 70 per cent of the rural population,” Linturi said.
On the other hand in stride towards fostering a dynamic equilibrium between safety, innovation and commercialisation, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), said it is committed to overseeing the secure progression, transfer and management.
With focus on harnessing the potential contributions of modern biotechnology, NBA seeks to also propel agricultural productivity and fortify food security.