The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) conducted farmers’ exhibitions to showcase cutting-edge farming technologies and diverse innovations at the Horticulture Research Centre in Kibos, Kisumu County.
The event held between March 5-7 focused on advancing agricultural innovations for resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods.
It attracted various stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural experts, and industry partners.
Teresa Okeyo, KALRO’s Plant Breeders and Cotton Research Manager, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to developing climate-resilient seed varieties.
“KALRO has introduced cotton seeds that mature early and yield high-quality beans, such as the ‘Nyota’ variety, which is harvested two months after planting and is rich in zinc and iron,” said Okeyo during an exclusive interview with KNA.
She also emphasized the importance of training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, stating that KALRO trains farmers and provides them with fast-maturing seeds to achieve good yields.
Addressing pest and environmental concerns, Okeyo advised the use of organic pesticides as a first line of defense, recommending inorganic options only when pest thresholds are high, due to their potential environmental hazards.
She also discussed soil conservation techniques: ” KALRO’s National Research Management department promotes practices like ploughing in the contours, constructing trenches, and planting crops that maintain soil fertility.”
Additionally, Okeyo highlighted water conservation technologies, such as drip irrigation systems, to optimise water use in farming.
Nicholas Muendo, an inspector from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), provided guidance on identifying quality pest control products and distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit items.
Simon Misonge, from the Horticulture Research Centre in Kibos, introduced the ‘Keep’ application, a mobile tool designed to deliver farming information directly to farmers, enhancing their knowledge and productivity.
Following KALRO’s interventions, farmers have reported an increase in cotton yields from 200 kg per acre to between 1,200 and 1,300 kg after adopting KALRO’s recommended practices.
The culmination of the exhibitions saw the state agency establish the ‘Mkulima Shops’ in Kisumu County that aimed at providing farmers with quality seeds and agricultural inputs to boost food security.
The initiative targets opening a one-stop shop that is stocked with clean planting materials in order to enhance farmers’ capability to produce more food while accessing clean seeds and climate-tolerant seedlings.
By Matilda Waswa
