Food security: Kalro’s plan to focus on seed production

Researchers have been urged to prioritise addressing the shortage of quality seeds.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh said producing basic seeds will ensure the availability of certified seeds, to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

He spoke during the launch of the second Kalro strategic plan and exhibition of new technologies at the organisation's headquarters.

“This will be realised by ensuring that farmers have access to quality farm inputs, technologies, innovations and management practices,” he said.

Ronoh said as the country strives to boost crop productivity and resilience, there is need to promote sustainable agricultural practices that increase crop yields, manage post-harvest losses, conserve natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and mitigate climate change effects. 

“In addition, prioritising the development and dissemination of climate-smart agricultural technologies is essential.

This includes introducing drought-tolerant crop varieties, implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques, adopting integrated pest management strategies, and mechanising agricultural processes,” the PS said.

Ronoh said mechanisation not only improves efficiency but also reduces labour dependency and enhances productivity, especially for smallholder farmers.

“By investing in climate-smart agriculture and mechanisation, we can ensure that farmers are better equipped to adapt to changing environmental conditions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on crop production.”

The PS acknowledged Kalro’s proactivity towards ensuring the availability of certified seeds, saying the  institution and other stakeholders are pivotal in fulfilling the government’s agenda of ensuring citizens’ right to quality and adequate food.

Dr Eliud Kireger, director general Kalro said following the launch of the strategic plan, farmers can expect a comprehensive roadmap that prioritises their needs and aspirations over the next five years.

He said the plan outlines initiatives to heighten agricultural productivity, improve market access, promote sustainable farming practices, and foster innovation across the sector.

“Through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, the plan aims to empower farmers, increase resilience to climate change, and ultimately drive positive change in the agricultural sector,” Kireger said.

Under crops systems, Kalro plans to raise production, productivity, quality, and utilisation of crop value chains.

This is in addition to producing basic and certified seed, availing clean planting materials for improved yield, promoting the adoption of improved crops management practices by farmers, reducing pre and post-harvest losses, providing more crop health management options, and increasing household dietary diversity score.

“Additionally, under livestock system the plan aims to increase productivity and utilisation of safe livestock products value chains by developing and promoting improved livestock breeds, developing and promoting livestock vaccines for improved animal health,” he said.

The strategic plan also outlines initiatives to develop and promote food and feed safety technologies that will lead to safe and quality food and feed production for both crops and livestock.

Kalro will develop and promote appropriate agricultural machinery and equipment, he added, as well as work towards increased agricultural productivity through adoption of suitable and efficient machinery, thus increased mechanisation and improved farm operations.

“Moreover, Kalro will focus on sustainably improving agricultural land productivity by increasing adoption of sustainable land management technologies, innovations, and management practices. We will also analyse soil, water, leaf, manures and fertiliser samples for optimal plant nutrition and crop productivity,” he said.