New fertiliser variety to boost rice production

Rice production in the country is poised to more than double in the next two years following the launch of a new fertiliser variety.

Referred to as Kynoch, the fertiliser is said to be crop-specific, development rice farmers say would transform the sector that has suffered from sub-standard inputs for years.

“This variety is also soil specific. This means different areas would have distinct types of a blend of fertilisers that fit their needs,” said Edwin Nyabiba, the Commercial Manager of Exporting Trade Group, the multinational behind the input.

Mr Nyabiba spoke in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, where he held sessions with rice farmers on fertiliser application.

He said the drive behind the new sort of fertiliser was to get farmers out of the low production zone and empower them economically.