Posted on January, 21, 2025 at 04:53 pm
In a significant boost to agricultural research and innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, the CIMMYT led the inauguration of the KALRO-CIMMYT Crops Research Facility at the Kiboko Research Station.
This state-of-the-art facility, a collaboration between the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and CIMMYT, aims to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the region.
The centerpiece of the day was the tour of the advanced seed processing facility and exhibits showcasing the work being carried out by KALRO and CIMMYT scientists. These included research on climate-resilient crops, pest and disease resistance, and sustainable intensification practices.
Transforming Agricultural Research
The Kiboko Research Station has long been a hub for maize breeding in Eastern Africa, contributing to the development of drought-tolerant and pest-resistant maize varieties.
This legacy was further strengthened with the establishment of the Maize Doubled Haploid Facility in 2013 and a Fall Armyworm screening facility in 2017.
Today’s inauguration marks a new chapter, with modern infrastructure set to enhance the station’s capacity to tackle pressing agricultural challenges.
Upgrades funded through the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) Initiative include:
These improvements not only boost research efficiency but also create better working conditions for researchers and staff, ensuring inclusivity and operational excellence.
Leadership Remarks
During the ceremony, key stakeholders, including Moses Siambi (CIMMYT), BM Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program at CIMMYT, Felister Makini (KALRO), and the KALRO Board Chair, shared their visions for the facility. They emphasized its potential to advance crop improvement, support smallholder farmers, and address issues such as climate change, pest outbreaks, and soil degradation.
"This station has now developed into a centre of excellence for crop improvement across multiple crops, and will serve surely as a training hub not only for future generations of scientists but also will inspire young students and Kenyans to take up agricultural research as a profession. That is indeed our goal, not just to serve the present need but also build the capacity for the future so that Kenya's agriculture remains strong," said Prasanna.
A Bright Future for Agriculture
The facility is now positioned as a Centre of Excellence, ready to drive agricultural innovation and ensure food security for millions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Prassana added " This facility is supported financially by Crops to end Hunger Initiative, they have provided us US Dollars 2. 1 million (Ksh.271 million) for establishing this state-of-the-art facility."
Source: Citizen