Farmers from Bomet and neighbouring counties including Kisii, Kericho, and Narok can now have a sigh of relief following the inauguration of a new Kenya Seed Company Depot in Bomet. The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mithika Linturi launched the facility aimed to combat several challenges facing farmers in the South Rift region.
Among the challenges facing farmers in the region include the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND). In fact, the disease was first reported in the Longisa division within the county before spreading to parts of Narok, Nakuru and other counties. Farmers also face high post-harvest losses due to limited maize drying facilities. Another major problem is the limited access to quality seeds.
Besides ensuring that farmers in these counties get a closer source of farm inputs, the CS stated that the new depot will help combat counterfeit seeds, improve access to agronomic technologies and mitigate Maize Lethal Necrosis Necrosis Disease (MLND) threats. The Kenya Seed Company will deliver quality and disease-resistant seeds to farmers.
Tackling Post Harvest Losses
CS Linturi flagged mobile grain dryers for the Ndanai, Mulot, Bomet and Kilgoris NCPB Depots. The four 10-capacity dryers seek to address the high post-harvest losses incurred by farmers. He noted that Sotik NCPB Depot would get a grain dryer too. The delivery of the Mobile Grain Dryers is part of the wider program that has seen over 40 such facilities distributed to various NCPB depots across the country.
Addressing Fake Seeds Menace
The CS revealed the Ministry’s efforts to weed out fake seeds from the market. He stated that more seed inspectors would be deployed to improve surveillance of maize seed farms and agro vet stores across the country to remove counterfeit seeds and handle maize diseases.
Also present was Dr. Paul Rono, the Principal Secretary of State Department of Crop Development who issued a stern warning to middlemen who sell counterfeit seeds to farmers.
“Anyone selling fake seeds must be ready to face a fine of Ksh 1 million or face six months imprisonment or both. Our farmers deserve quality inputs to enable them to succeed,” stated Dr. Rono.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok welcomed the launch of the Kenya Seed Depot citing the move as a major boost for farmers in the region.
Others present include the Keny Seed Company Board Chairperson Hon. Wangui Ngirici and Managing Director Sammy Chepsiror, Bomet County Commissioner Dr Ahmed Omari, local legislators and MCAs, and officials from national and county government.