KALRO Mwea unveils four new climate-smart rice varieties to boost farmers’ yields
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)–ICRC Mwea Centre has launched four new climate-smart, high-yielding rice varieties in a major step toward improving productivity and resilience in Kenya’s rice-growing regions.
The varieties—KALPAA, KALGOLD, KAL-IMARA and KALFINE—were formally introduced during a farmers’ field day held today under the leadership of Centre Director Dr. Ruth Musila.
Developed through joint research efforts with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Nagoya University of Japan, and AfricaRice, the new varieties are designed to address emerging challenges in rice production, including climate variability, disease pressure and declining soil productivity.
The initiative has been supported by AGRA, which has been backing efforts to improve smallholder access to improved seed and technologies across the country.
The field day brought together a diverse group of actors across the rice value chain, including farmers, representatives from KEPHIS, NCPB, Kilimo Trust, agro-chemical companies, rice millers and farmers’ cooperatives.
Participants had the opportunity to observe side-by-side demonstrations of the four varieties, learn improved production practices and receive sample seedling packs—an approach aimed at accelerating technology uptake among growers.
Farmers expressed optimism that the new varieties, which promise higher yields, better tolerance to stress and improved grain quality, will help reduce production costs and increase competitiveness, especially for growers in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.
Speaking during the event, Chief Guest Hon. Dr. John Gachara, Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, underscored the importance of proper chemical use, safe handling and storage, as well as hygiene in rice production.
He called on farmers to follow responsible and sustainable agronomic practices to safeguard their health, the environment and crop quality.
Dr. Gachara reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to supporting rice growers through improved seed production systems, enhanced market access and stronger collaboration with KALRO and other research institutions.
He praised Dr. Musila and the KALRO–ICRC Mwea team for their sustained research efforts aimed at raising rice productivity and contributing to Kenya’s food security goals.
The introduction of the climate-smart varieties marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to modernize Kenya’s rice sector.
With increasing demand for rice both locally and regionally, stakeholders hope the varieties will narrow the supply gap and improve livelihoods for thousands of farming households in Kirinyaga County and beyond.