The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) continues to roll out its ‘Mkulima Shop Initiative’ aimed at bringing products and services closer to farmers. Mkulima Shop is a model retail outlet that displays KARLO products including quality certified seeds and acts as a centre to disseminate agricultural advisory services in line with these products.
The first outlet was unveiled at KALRO Industrial Crops Research Institute in Mtwapa. Later, the research organization launched the second outlet in Kibos Centre Kisumu. During the launch Kibos centre shop, the KALRO Deputy Director General Crops Dr Felister Makini cited the rising demand for quality seeds from the state agency as the push factor behind the entire plan. She added that the shops will address the shortage of certified seeds in the country and help farmers find varieties suitable for their respective regions.
Farmers within Kiambu County and the surrounding region can access KALRO products and services at the shops in KALRO Seeds Headquarters and Horticulture Research Institute in Thika. The two shops were launched early this year in the presence of KARLO Director General, Dr Eliud Kireger. According to Dr Kireger, the outlets are a ‘one-stop’ point where farmers can easily access KALRO seed and other technologies. He added that the products would be availed as a package whereby farmers get information and receive training on how to boost productivity in their farms.
In Transnzoia County and the surrounding region, a Mkulima Shop is up and running at the KALRO Food Crops Research Institute in Kitale. During the launch, Dr Felister Makini noted that the outlet will enable farmers to access the right seeds and seedlings certified by Kenya Plant Health and Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) thus cushioning them from the losses resulting from using poor seeds.
Farmers in Nakuru County and the surrounding region have not been left behind either. Certified products and technologies from the research body are now available at the KALRO Njoro Centre.
KALRO is the licensee of several seed varieties it has produced under extensive research. With Mkulima Shops nearly in every part of the country, farmers can now access quality certified seeds for sorghum, green grams, maize, rice, cotton, soya beans, sunflower and cowpeas. Other Mkulima Shop outlets whose establishment is ongoing include AMRI Katumani, DRI Ol Joro Orok, FCRI Embu, ICRI Mwea, FCRC Alupe, FCRC Muguga, HRC Tigoni, NRRI Kakamega, FCRC Kabete and KALRO Headquarters Loresho.