Kenya introduces new high-yield rice varieties, receives US$270,793 equipment donation to boost production
The newly introduced Kalimara (CSR36) and Kalpaa (08FAN10) rice varieties are specifically developed to combat the challenges posed by climate change and soil salinity.
KENYA – Researchers from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), have unveiled two new rice varieties designed to enhance Kenya’s rice production and reduce reliance on costly imports.
The newly introduced Kalimara (CSR36) and Kalpaa (08FAN10) rice varieties are specifically developed to combat the challenges posed by climate change and soil salinity while meeting the growing consumer demand for high-quality, locally grown rice.
Speaking on the developments, Dr. Eliud Kireger, KALRO’s Director General, emphasized that these high-yielding and climate-smart varieties, developed in partnership with IRRI, will significantly contribute to Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“Kalimara is a resilient variety ideal for saline-sodic soils, characterized by high salt levels and alkalinity, with pH values between 9.6 and 9.8 and electrical conductivity ranging from 6 to 10 dS/m,” explained Dr. Kireger.
“It matures in 120–125 days, yielding 5 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare under saline conditions, and up to 6.5 tonnes per hectare in normal conditions. Its long, slender, aromatic grains are well-suited to Kenyan consumer preferences.”
Meanwhile, the Kalpaa variety offers an even faster maturation period of just 85 days, nearly 20 days earlier than the widely grown Komboka variety. It boasts yields of between 6.5 to 7 tonnes per hectare.
While Kalpaa lacks the aroma of Kalimara, it is highly regarded for its soft texture and non-sticky quality when cooked, making it an attractive option for local consumers.
“These new varieties address the demand for long, slender, non-sticky rice, a factor that has traditionally driven rice imports into the country. With their adoption, we can significantly cut down on Kenya’s rice import bill,” Kireger added
Currently, Kenya imports approximately 80% of the rice consumed in the country, as local production stands at just 250,000 tonnes annually, against a national demand exceeding one million tonnes. The significant deficit has prompted efforts to expand the area under rice cultivation and improve productivity in existing rice-growing regions.
To facilitate these efforts, Kireger underscored the need for mechanization and the use of certified quality seeds. Through the collaboration with IRRI, KALRO is making the new rice varieties available for seed multiplication this season.
Additionally, digitalization is being embraced to improve agricultural practices. By leveraging digital tools, farmers will be able to collect, store, and analyze production data more efficiently, leading to better decision-making and improved yields.
Dr. Abdelbagi Ismail, IRRI’s Regional Representative for Africa, highlighted the importance of modernization in increasing productivity.
He pointed to India as a model, noting that the country once faced a similar rice production challenge but is now the world’s largest rice exporter, shipping over 26 million tonnes annually.
“Mechanization can triple productivity and significantly cut costs. With mechanized operations, farmers can cultivate large areas and harvest multiple crops per year, possibly even three crops in some regions. This transformation is vital for the future of agriculture in Kenya” Ismail said.
Beyond boosting output, mechanization is expected to improve working conditions for farm laborers, particularly women, who traditionally bear the brunt of strenuous farm tasks.
“Mechanization saves resources and reduces the physical strain on workers. A single farmer can manage hundreds of hectares with the right equipment, which is a game-changer for agriculture in Kenya and across Africa,” he added.
KALRO receives KES 35 million worth of advanced machinery from IRRI
As part of this initiative, IRRI has provided KALRO with advanced agricultural machinery and equipment worth KES 35 million (US$270,793).
IRRI has played a key role in supporting Kenya’s agricultural transformation through the Crop to End Hunger initiative.
The donation includes a 75-horsepower New Holland tractor, a laser leveler, a rotavator, mobile threshers, dryers, and digital devices. This equipment will be distributed across KALRO’s regional centers in Embu, Kitale, Katumani, Kakamega, Kibos, Njoro, and Tigoni to further bolster rice production.
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