Kenya Seed Company has intensified a crackdown on unscrupulous traders selling fake seeds to farmers ahead of this planting season.
The company said several suspects have been arrested around Mt Kenya and North Rift regions.
Chief Executive Officer Sammy Chepsorir said there are several unscrupulous traders in Mt Kenya and Rift Valley selling fake seeds, which is now threatening the country’s food basket.
“Farmers across the country have been counting losses because of planting of fake seeds which have poor yields. We urge them to be extra vigilant not to fall prey to these traders,” he said.
Speaking in Eldoret, Chepsorir further urged farmers not to throw away seed packets which the company uses to establish whether the seed was of required quality and also help in arresting those behind illegal trade.
He said they have arrested several traders in areas such as Bomet and various parts of Mt Kenya region during the crackdown.
Kenya has two main growing seasons: Long rains season from March to May; and short rains from October to November.
Chepsorir said they are working with other government agencies to eradicate fake seeds.
He said that the company came up with a specific code number where farmers can send an SMS once they buy seeds to establish whether they are of good quality and meet standards.
Kenya Seeds Company chairperson Wangui Ngirichi said that the company has partnered with security agents and other government agencies to eradicate fake seeds being sold to unsuspecting farmers.
Ngirici said that there is a need for farmers to be aware of conmen selling fake seeds.
She urged farmers to scratch the code on the seed packets to verify originality.
She further challenged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant standard seeds and help boost the country’s food basket.
She stated that farmers should only plant certified seeds and not replant the seeds they harvest especially maize saying it will lead to poor harvest.
