The importance of market signals in crop varietal development: Lessons from Komboka rice variety

In Kenya, Komboka can enhance food and nutrition security by increasing local rice production which will, in turn, contribute to a reduction of rice imports in the country. Its wide adaptability in both irrigated and rainfed lowland ecologies can lead to expansion in rice-growing areas that are currently not being cultivated. This paper discusses the factors that may be indicative of farmers’ perception and preference for modern rice varieties, focusing on Komboka as a case study. It is hypothesized that farmers’ perceptions of varietal quality could affect preferences for improved cultivars that may in turn bolster commercialization.

In Kenya, most middle-class consumers prefer aromatic rice varieties, which come at a premium market price. However, most lower-income households and local institutions with mass numbers consume imported rice as it is cheaper compared to the aromatic ‘pure pishori’ rice.  For example, while the higher quality Mwea rice retails for a higher price of USD 1.20 to 1.80, Pakistan-imported rice retails USD 0.9 to 1.10

This gap for imported rice consumption can be filled by Komboka, which is high yielding (6.5 to 7.0 t/ha), semi-aromatic, medium slender, and translucent grain with intermediate plant height which makes it resistant to lodging. Cultivation of high-yielding semi-aromatic

Komboka can enhance food and nutrition security by increasing local rice production which will, in turn, contribute to a reduction of rice imports in the country. Its wide adaptability in both irrigated and rainfed lowland ecologies can lead to expansion in rice-growing areas that are currently not being cultivated. However, the rice seed replacement rate is very low and sometimes no data on seed access is available.