Global agriculture firm Syngenta has opened a research site in Ruiru that will specialize in the multiplication of high quality cereals and vegetable seeds for the local and international markets.

The new research site is part of the firm’s global push to empower farmers through innovation.

Recurrent drought and poor seed quality are among the factors blamed for food insecurity in Kenya and other African countries.

Majority of farmers also lack access to the latest agricultural technology and innovations. Locally, 2017 was a tough year for farmers who are still reeling from the after effects of the 2017 drought as well as the Fall Army worm attack on their crops curtailing general output significantly.

In efforts to boost production in the country, Syngenta has opened a multi-million shilling agricultural research complex in Ruiru.

The new site will specialize in the multiplication of high quality cereals and vegetable seeds for the local and international markets. Stakeholders have lauded the move terming it as a step towards achieving food security.

The complex comprises of laboratories, greenhouses, cold houses and processing lines. The government has made food security a key priority over the next five years under the Big Four Plan.

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agricultural companies that develop crop programmes through innovative solutions that offer farmers not only single plant protection products, but also complete crop solutions to assist them in producing an outstanding crop in both quality and quantity limiting post-harvest losses.