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Professor Paul Njiru Nthakanio, Registrar PAF, taking the C.S. Investments, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Moses Kuria, through the innovative Bio-based Fertilizer technology. Captured herein are; Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, V.C. University of Embu, and H.E. GOV. Cecily Mbarire
CS Simon Chelungui, Governor Cecily Mbarire, and DVC-ARE Prof. Kotut Kiplagat during a presentation by Prof. Paul Njiru Nthakanio (right) about the innovative technology on the development of Bio-Based Fertilizer.
Mr. Benjamin Njuguna Nyenjeri presenting to an interested farmer during the Embu Mega Expo held on 4th and 5th April 2023 at the University of Embu grounds. Mr. Nyenjeri works as a Data Collector in the NRF Rice Project under Prof. Paul Njiru Nthakanio, the Principal Investigator.
Ms. Beatrice Nyankemba demonstrating to an interested guest the contents of Bio-Based Fertilizer at the Embu Mega Expo held at the University of Embu. Captured in the picture are Mr. Moses Mboya and Mr. Benjamin Njuguna (with checked shirt behind Ms. Nyankemba)
Mr. Moses Mboya talking to guests who visited Prof. Paul Njiru Nthakanio’s Booth at the Embu Mega Expo held on 4th and 5th April 2023 at the University of Embu grounds. Mr. Mboya is an MSc Student attached to the NRF Rice Project under Prof. Paul Njiru Nthakanio
Professor Paul Njiru Nthakanio, Registrar PAF taking C.S. Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprise, Hon. Simon Kiprono Chelugui through the innovative Bio-based fertilizer technology. In their midst is Embu Governor H.E. Cecily Mbarire.
Members of University Management (from far right) Prof. Jackson Wachira (Registrar, Academics, Research and Extension), Prof. Paul Nthakanio (Principal Investigator-NRF Hybrid Rice Project), Dr. Samuel Ndirangu (Dean, School of Agriculture) and Dr. Rebecca Yegon(COD, Water and Agriculture Resource Management) flagging off containerized rice seedlings sown in immune-boost seedling media for trials on rice farms in Mwea Irrigation Scheme on 12th August, 2021 at University of Embu.
Farmers, students and key researchers led by the Principal Investigator, Prof. Paul Njiruh (5th left) and CO-PI from National Irrigation Authority, Dr. Wanjogu (6th left) who are involved in implementation of the immune-boost seedling project during a farmer’s training on 9th July, 2021 at Mwea Irrigation Development Centre (MIAD- Centre).
Prof. Paul Nthakanio Njiruh (Principal Investigator-NRF Hybrid Rice Project) addresses farmers and researchers on the new containerized rice seedling technology using the immune-boost media formulated from carbonized rice husks, macadamia shells, coco peat, soil and compound fertilizer on 9th July, 2021 at Mwea Irrigation Development Centre (MIAD- Centre).
Mr. James and Mr. Kariuki receive containerized seedlings as beneficiaries of the NRF Hybrid seedling project in their farms on 12th August,2021.
FIELD MEETING AT MIAD
Mr. Simon Njau, a rice breeder, demonstrates dusting of pollen to onto an emasculated rice flower to postgraduate students within the NRF Hybrid Rice Project at MIAD research farm on 14th May, 2021.
FIELD MEETING AT MIAD
(From right to left) Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio, Ms. Faith Mwende, Mr. Moses Ouko, Ms.Faith Gtaere, Ms. Beatrice Nyankemba at a capacity building field meeting at MIAD research field on 14th May,2021
Basmati TGMS Rice line undergoing Trials
Basmati TGMS Rice line undergoing field trials at KirogoResearch Farm-KALRO
FIELD MEETING AT MIAD
Practical demonstration of rice emasculation and crossing at MIAD research farm on 14th May,2021
Ms. Faith Gatere collecting pollen from IR-64 (dwarf genes donor) to pollinate with emasculated Basmati 370 rice on 21st May, 2021 at KALRO greenhouse
Greenhouse
University of Embu signs MoU with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Members of University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi (3rd left standing) pose for a group photo with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Management led by the Managing Director, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bernard N. Njiraini (4th right standing) pose for a group photo holding signed MOU copies on Basmati rice standardization.
University of Embu signs MoU with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio giving a presentation on Basmati rice standardization during MOU signing ceremony with Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) at the University of Embu on 2nd February, 2021.
University of Embu signs MoU with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
Members of University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi (5th right seated) pose for a group photo with the Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBS) Management led by the Managing Director, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Bernard N. Njiraini (5th left seated) during an MOU signing ceremony with KEBS on Basmati rice standardization championed by Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio (1st right seated) on 2nd February, 2021 at University of Embu.
FIELD VISIT
Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio, Principal Investigator of NRF Hybrid Rice Project during a site visit held on Wednesday, 23rd December, 2020 at MIAD Research Farm, NIA.
FIELD VISIT
Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio, Principal Investigator of NRF Hybrid Rice Project during a site visit held on Wednesday, 23rd December, 2020 at MIAD Research Farm, NIA.
FIELD INSPECTION
Prof. Paul Njiruh Nthakanio, Principal Investigator of NRF Hybrid Rice Project displaying Recombinant Inbred Lines, R1081 and R3054 that are early maturing and high yielding on Monday, 18th January, 2021 at Kirogo Research Farm, KALRO-Mwea at 2:00 PM

About the Project

The hybrid rice research project is established as a special project of the National Research Fund(NRF). The project has been running from July, 2020 and will run upto July, 2023. Our project is dedicated to advanced research and training in rice breeding and biotechnology and advancing knowledge, applying the latest techniques in the following aspects of rice breeding:
1.    Breeding to introgress wide compatibility, drought tolerant and dwarf (sd-1) genes into TGMS to produce a super parent rice for use as female parent in crosses with Basmati 370,
2.    Determining linkages of major genes controlling quality and yield in Basmati370,
3.    Production of super yielding Basmati370 hybrid rice seeds for farmers by crossing it with TGMS super parent varieties,
4.    Determining of compatibility of major TGMS rice varieties in Kenya with Basmati370,
5.    Optimization of Basmati rice anther culture conditions for doubled haploid plants production,
6.    Developing of immuno-boost medium for production of immunized seedlings for farmers,
7.    Training of farmers and local breeders on breeding and use of morphological markers to differentiate hybrid from self-bred seedlings in hybrid rice production,
8.     Supervision PhD and MSc trainees to attain skills needed for increased adoption and continuity of super producing hybrid rice seed technology.

3.1 Beneficiary or stakeholders
i)Fulfilling the Big Four: Kenya is expected to produce about 406,486 metric tonnes while consumption will be at 694,999 by year 2022 (GoK). This will leave a deficit of 288,513mt with a value of over 28.8 billion with a kilo of pishori rice selling at KES 100/=.
ii)Rice Farmers and consumers; will access hybrid rice at less cost.  Yield per acre will increase and thus more income. The value chain actors, such as input suppliers, processors and sellers will have more rice volumes to sustain their businesses. Many people will also be employed along the value chain; Rice Consumers will more accessible rice with high cooking and consumption qualities at lesser cost;
iii) Rice sub-sector actors; Actors like markets retailers, processors, casual laborers and farm machinery will greatly benefit from increased commerce and opportunities;
iv) Breeders – Rice breeders will get breeding and research materials locally avoiding high cost of importing;
v) Governments – The government will have sustained food security programmes such hybrid rice program

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About the Project

The hybrid rice research project is established as a special project of the National Research Fund(NRF). The project has been running from July, 2020 and will run upto July, 2023.