Nakuru: Wheat production in Kenya is set to increase after the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), in partnership with the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), inaugurated a Sh1.3 billion (USD 1 million) rust research greenhouse facility at the KALRO Center in Njoro, Nakuru County. CIMMYT Director General Dr. Bram Govaerts said the facility will enhance screening of wheat varieties to help establish the latest diseases.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Govaerts emphasized the importance of accelerating and improving the capacity of the CIMMYT and KALRO collaboration. He highlighted the new screening facilities that allow for testing wheat varieties against the latest diseases, ensuring farmers receive seeds resistant to these diseases. He also announced the launch of a cold room at KALRO Njoro for seed storage and facilitating the multiplication process.
Acknowledging the significant challenges facing the wheat sector, Dr. Govaerts expressed optimism despite the hurdles posed by climate change, accelerated diseases, and soil degradation. He noted that the wheat varieties developed in Njoro are set to be tested globally for new diseases.
KALRO Deputy Director (Crops) Dr. Felister Makini praised the KALRO-CIMMYT partnership for its efforts to boost wheat production in Kenya. She emphasized the importance of building infrastructure and scientific capacity to increase wheat production. Dr. Makini pointed out that although Kenya produces wheat, 80 percent is imported, and the new facilities aim to increase local productivity, especially in light of climate change challenges.
Dr. Makini highlighted the need for farmers to adopt new seed varieties to avoid increased disease pressure. She urged farmers to use certified seeds after two or three planting seasons to maintain yield quality. In Njoro, efforts are underway to produce more seeds of these new varieties, and KALRO has established a Mkulima shop for certified seed purchases.
Addressing concerns about genetically modified seeds, Dr. Makini clarified that the wheat disease outbreaks are due to traditional breeding, not GMOs. CIMMYT Principal Scientist and Wheat Improvement Lead, East Africa, Dr. Sridhar Bhavani, shared that at least 250 varieties have been developed over the past 15 years to stay ahead of potential devastating diseases.
The rust research facility will also serve as a breeding hub to enhance resistance and build future resilience against pests and diseases for newer varieties to be deployed in Kenya and across Africa. The facility’s breeding products will be shared through the Wheat Improvement Network for Africa, benefiting over 16 countries with high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties.
Dr. Bhavani highlighted that the current wheat varieties have a yield potential of 6 to 8 tonnes per hectare, representing a substantial increase compared to older varieties. The partnership also aims to support smallholder farmers by educating them on fungicide application and profitability through conventional breeding.