Market News

Firm wins AfDB Sh180m seed supply contract

farmer

A farmer shows healthy maize crops. AATF is seeking high yielding maize seeds. FILE PHOTO | NMG

African Development Bank (AfDB) has contracted a Nairobi-based agricultural technologies firm to oversee Sh180 million distribution of high-yielding maize varieties among smallholder farmers.

African Agricultural Technology Foundation(AATF) executive director Denis Kyetere said its involvement in commercialisation of agricultural technologies such as climate smart water-efficient maize hybrids known as DroughtTEGO® and the herbicide resistant StrigAway maize technology informed the selection.

“AATF is about African farmers and linking them with practical technological solutions for increased agricultural productivity and better livelihoods. With increased productivity, farmers can transition into farming as a business and that is why AATF is stepping in,” said Dr Kyetere.

Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organisation (Karlo) director-general Eliud Kireger welcomed the AfDB Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (Taat) development saying the country would provide farmlands to facilitate research and propagation of proven high yielding maize seeds.