Farmers have been alerted ahead of time to be cautious against fake seeds that have previously led to low yields in the country, as the short rains planting season is approaching.
While addressing a press conference on Wednesday, September 3, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Theophilus Mutui stated that inspectors have already been dispatched throughout the nation to visit agrovets and ensure that certified seeds are being marketed.
“We have sent our inspectors around the country, particularly before the short rains of September and October. Whoever is caught selling counterfeit seeds will be arrested and prosecuted under the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act,” Mutui threatened.
Mutui further raised an eyebrow at a proposed amendment bill to the Seed and Plant Varieties Bill presented by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, terming the move as a step that would lead to more counterfeit seeds entering the market.
In the meantime, the Kenyan Meteorological Department has made a three-month forecast that some parts of the western highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, and the Central and South Rift Valley will have rain interrupted by dry spells.
These are regions which comprise some of the country’s most critical agriculture areas and are going to benefit from the rains.
“These rains will support the growth of crops, improve pasture quality, and increase overall agriculture production,” the department stated.
Farmers in these areas have been called on to make the most of favorable weather conditions while planting approved seeds to harvest maximum yields.
