• The K-RiceBelt Project has started certified rice seed production in Mwea, Kirinyaga, as Kenya and South Korea work towards rice self-sufficiency by 2032.

K-RiceBelt Project Begins Rice Seed Production in Kirinyaga as Kenya Targets Self-Sufficiency

Kenya and South Korea Launch Rice Seed Production Under K-RiceBelt Project in Kirinyaga

Kenya and South Korea have stepped up cooperation to increase local rice production through the K-RiceBelt Project, with the first rice seedlings for certified seed production transplanted at Kirogo Research Farm in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

The maiden transplanting exercise took place on the first completed 7.2-hectare section of the planned K-RiceBelt paddy fields. The project aims to strengthen Kenya’s rice seed supply system by increasing the availability of certified planting materials and introducing improved production technologies.

Kenya consumes an estimated 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice annually, while local production stands at approximately 305,000 metric tonnes. Domestic farmers therefore meet only about 23 per cent of national demand, leaving the country heavily dependent on imports to bridge the deficit.

The initiative is being implemented through cooperation between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Korea Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (KOPIA), with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea.

Speaking during the transplanting exercise, Dr Benjamin Kivuva, Director of Crop Systems Research at KALRO, said the project would address the shortage of certified rice seed, which limits farmers’ access to quality planting materials.

Increased local seed production is expected to support farmers with reliable planting materials, improve crop productivity and strengthen domestic rice production.

Jigang Kim, Director of KOPIA Kenya Centre, reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting Kenya through improved seed production infrastructure, mechanised cultivation and suitable agricultural technologies.

He said the project targets production of 330 metric tonnes of certified rice seed this year. The programme also intends to expand seed production and introduce improved rice cultivation technologies in other parts of the country.

K-RiceBelt targets 65 hectares of seed production

The K-RiceBelt Project is developing 65 hectares of paddy fields dedicated to certified rice seed production. The programme also includes infrastructure development, improved farming technologies and technical capacity building to strengthen Kenya’s rice seed production system.

The completed 7.2-hectare section marks the first phase of the planned development. As more sections become operational, the project is expected to increase the supply of certified seed available to rice farmers.

Access to quality seed remains an important factor in rice production. Certified seed helps farmers establish uniform crops and achieve more reliable yields when combined with suitable varieties, proper water management and good crop husbandry.

Kenya targets rice self-sufficiency by 2032

Kenya’s rice import dependence has remained a major challenge as consumption continues to exceed domestic production. The gap between annual demand of 1.3 million metric tonnes and local output of about 305,000 metric tonnes shows the scale of production required to reduce imports.

The K-RiceBelt initiative supports the government’s ambition to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2032 through stronger seed production, improved farming systems and technology transfer.

For farmers in established rice-growing areas such as Mwea, access to certified seed and improved cultivation technologies is expected to support production growth. The planned expansion of the project also points to efforts to strengthen rice farming beyond the existing production zones.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/K-RiceBelt-Project-Begins-Rice-Seed-Production-in-Kirinyaga-as-Kenya-Targets-Self-Sufficiency-1024x682.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/K-RiceBelt-Project-Begins-Rice-Seed-Production-in-Kirinyaga-as-Kenya-Targets-Self-Sufficiency-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming Newscertified rice seeds,K-RiceBelt Project,Kalro,Kenya rice production,KOPIA Kenya,Mwea rice farming,rice farming in kenya,rice self-sufficiency,South KoreaThe K-RiceBelt Project has started certified rice seed production in Mwea, Kirinyaga, as Kenya and South Korea work towards rice self-sufficiency by 2032.Kenya and South Korea Launch Rice Seed Production Under K-RiceBelt Project in Kirinyaga Kenya and South Korea have stepped up cooperation to increase local rice production through...New Generation Culture in Agriculture