Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has moved to curb adulteration of Kenya's basmati rice.
The standardisation and conformity agency has teamed up with industry stakeholders and researchers to preserve the quality and integrity of the grain.
"United, we have the power to preserve the essence of our precious basmati rice and ensure a prosperous future for our farmers and our nation," Joshua Njiru, the acting head of research and development at KEBS said.
KEBS managing director Bernard Njiraini affirmed his commitment to fostering cooperation among farmers, suppliers, researchers, and other government agencies to surmount the threat to Kenya's thriving basmati rice industry.
Addressing a workshop of rice stakeholders in Nairobi, Njiraini announced KEBS is partnering with local universities and international research institutions to develop technologies and systems to curb the menace.
“These cutting-edge approaches will empower consumers to verify the authenticity and quality of the basmati rice they purchase, fostering trust and driving demand for genuine, unadulterated grain,” he stated.
Evans Nyaboga, a senior lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nairobi, highlighted the crucial role of advanced scientific techniques in tackling rice adulteration and counterfeiting.
"Rice is the most important grain for human nutrition and caloric intake worldwide, as well as a major staple food in Kenya. In order to prevent adulteration, it's essential to accurately and quickly determine the rice variety,” said Nyamboga.
KEBS further announced it is implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness among farmers and suppliers about the long-term consequences of basmati rice adulteration.
The agency said it will provide practical guidelines on best practices for harvesting, processing, and marketing basmati rice to ensure Kenyan farmers and suppliers thrive in a competitive global market.
Njiru emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in maintaining the integrity of Kenya's basmati rice industry.
"Let us work together to preserve the enchanting aroma and unparalleled quality of our basmati rice, securing the livelihoods of our farmers and the food security of our nation for generations to come,” he stated.
Nyamboga said Kenya's basmati rice industry stands to overcome the challenges it faces through the combined efforts of industry stakeholders, researchers, and government agencies.
Source: The Star