Dryland Seed Limited
Our History
Dryland Seeds Company Limited (DSL) was established in 2007 by the late Mr. Ngila Kimotho and since then has been producing, importing and distributing best quality Open Pollinated and Hybrid seeds. Our product portfolio which comprises of well-established horticultural products through partnership with East West International Company Ltd includes: Tomato (Tandi F1 and Nirvana F1), Pumpkin (Leela F1 and Pujita F1), and Onions (Superyali).
DSL has developed a successful model for seed production suited to low and mid altitude agro-zones and has a good market share in drought tolerant varieties. This success has been attributed to :
- Production of Certified seeds with comparative advantage over others in the industry
- Delighted customers after trying our products
- Close partnering with contract growers/suppliers and customers to meet their needs
Mission
To promote and contribute to the access of high quality seeds of improved dry land crop varieties to farmers in low and medium altitude areas.
Vision
To establish a serious seed business for the marketing of superior dry land crop varieties that meet the farmer's needs.
Some of Our Involvements
| Past | Scope of work | Present | Scope of work |
| USAID-KHCP | Enhancing legume seed production in lower Eastern region. | Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) | Training farmers in the farmers field schools & Local areas Organizing field-days & workshops |
| Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) | AGRA provided DSL with US $ 150,000 seed capital in 2007. AGRA referred DSL to ASIF for loans – enabled DSL to scale up production, procure processing equipment. AGRA consultants seconded to DSL Staff training and MSc scholarship | Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) | Training of DSL personnel facilitated by SEMIS. Linkage to the African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) – provision of grant/ repayable grant for construction of a warehousing facility and a customer service centre. |
| CNFA Farmer to Farmer | US expert exchange. Five experts in different fields of 3 years | Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization(KALRO) | Production and Dissemination of public bred varieties Exchange of germplasm (Breeding Material) and technology Field days and workshops |
| International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) | develop and commercialize climate smart seeds | Kenya Plant Health inspectorate (KEPHIS) | Seed certification Phytosanitary Plant variety protection Licenses and trains stockists for distribution of certified seed. |
| International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) | Up scaling of drought tolerant maize varieties and Dissemination of public bred varieties. Exchange of germplasm (Breeding Material) and technology | ||
| African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) | Commercialization of appropriate agricultural technologies (Water Efficient Maize for Africa) | ||
| International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) | Use of seed small pack technology to increase uptake of bean technologies | ||
| East West Seed International | Acquisition and marketing of a variety of vegetable seeds | ||
| Agri- Experience | Seed Market expansion, Staff training and personnel resource |
Business Operations
Dryland Seeds Company Ltd has over 100 reliable distributers covering the Kenyan region by partnering and distributing through local companies in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Sales are made through the networked distributers in all those areas where we have agronomist’s experts who are available to meet customer needs. Our customers are extended to include IOS, NGOs, suppliers, KEPHIS, MOA, Government officers among others.