State urged to intensify crackdown on fake seeds, agro-chemicals

Kenya Seeds Company chairperson Wangui Ngirici with Agri-tech Grand Expo chairperson Peter Karanja in a demo farm during an exhibition at Mutithi, Kirinyaga county/ALICE WAITHERA

Players in the agricultural sector have raised the alarm over the rise of uncertified seeds and counterfeit agro-chemicals, warning that the trend poses a major threat to Kenya’s food security.

Speaking during the Agri-Tech Grand Expo in Mutithi, Kirinyaga county, the event’s CEO, Peter Karanja, urged the government to intensify crackdowns on substandard farm inputs that continue to expose smallholder farmers to poor harvests and health risks.

“The proliferation of fake seeds and agro-chemicals has undermined food production despite heavy investments by both national and county governments,” he said.

He noted that many small-scale farmers unknowingly plant fake seeds or use uncertified chemicals, further compounding losses caused by erratic weather patterns.

Karanja also raised concern over rice farmers in Mwea Irrigation Scheme using unregulated chemicals imported from neighbouring countries to fight the golden apple snail, a destructive pest that has ravaged over 90 per cent of the 30,000-acre scheme.

“Desperation is driving farmers to use harmful imports that have been linked to respiratory and chronic health issues,” he warned, urging stricter vetting of agro-chemicals allowed into the country.

Last month, the Pests Control Products Board seized illegal agro-chemicals worth Sh3 million in Garissa, amid growing concerns over cross-border smuggling of banned products.

Kenya Seed Company chairperson Wangui Ngirici said the government has stepped up certified seed production to curb reliance on counterfeit products.

“We have increased annual production from 18 million to 45 million kilograms, with a target of 70 million by 2027,” she said, assuring farmers of sufficient supply.

Ukraine Embassy counsellor for economic affairs Olena Ivanchuk, who attended the expo, said Ukraine has partnered with Kenya to produce wheat and sunflower seeds. Kenyan farmers earned $11 million (Sh1.4 billion) from exports of tea, coffee, and spices to Ukraine.