Southern Africa
May 6, 2025

In a recent SMART FARM feature on Citizen TV Kenya, Sakata Seed was highlighted for its vital role in addressing Kenya’s tomato production challenges through innovative breeding programs. The segment shed light on the collaboration between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and private sector partners like Sakata Seed, aimed at developing high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient tomato varieties.

Angus Douglas Hamilton, representing Sakata Seed, introduced the newly released Bueno Vista F1 tomato variety – engineered for improved shelf life, robust disease resistance (including TYLCV and TSWV) and adaptability to Kenya’s diverse farming regions such as Oloitokitok and Kirinyaga.

In the face of increasing climate challenges and a growing reliance on tomato imports from neighbouring countries such local breeding efforts are crucial to securing Kenya’s food supply and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

Watch the full feature here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYkiMsbATv0

Website: http://sakata.co.za/

Published: May 21, 2025