Farmers have been urged to be on the lookout for fake seeds ahead of the planting season next month.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation director general Dr Eliud Kireger said some unscrupulous individuals and firms are packaging and selling fake seeds.
He said they are working with other authorities to dismantle these cartels.
Kireger said farmers are still also grappling with poor quality seeds, inadequacy of seed for most crops and, where available, exorbitant prices.
He said the government has developed a robust system to ease access of quality seeds by farmers by establishing Kalro Seeds.
The director general said they have come up with several measures to mitigate challenges faced by farmers. They include establishing 16 seed production centres, increasing volumes of seeds, developing new crop varieties and establishing Mkulima Shops countrywide.
Kireger spoke during the opening of two Mkulima Shops at Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) in Gatanga, Murang’a county, on Wednesday.
“Kalro Mkulima Shops have all our products. They are aimed at enhancing access to our seeds and other technologies,” he said.
“Seeds being the most critical input in crop yield and farm productivity, availability and access to certified seed is paramount in the achievement of food sufficiency in Kenya.”
Kireger said Kalro has established 17 shops located in AMRI Katumani, HRI Kandara, ICRI Mtwapa, DRI Ol Joro Orok, FCRI Embu, ICRI Mwea, FCRI Njoro, FCRI Kitale, FCRC Alupe and FCRC Muguga.
Others are in HRC Kibos, HRC Matuga, HRC Tigoni, NRRI Kakamega, Kalro Seeds Thika, FCRC Kabete and Kalro headquarters in Loresho.
Some of the seeds farmers will access at low prices include beans, green grams, sorghum, millet, cow peas, maize, rice, wheat, Irish potatoes, sunflower and soya beans.
They will also access fruit tree seedlings, including avocado, mango, macadamia, citrus, pawpaw, TC bananas and passion.
Kireger said they are committed to coordinating the multiplication, maintenance, marketing and distribution of all crop planting materials.
They include breeder, pre-basic, basic and certified seeds, fruit/nut tree seedlings, roots and tuber cuttings and fodder.
“Establishment of Mkulima Shops across the country not only gives farmers the opportunity for contractual seed production, but also helps in promoting the varieties being grown,” Kireger said.
He urged farmers to use certified planting materials for guaranteed high yields, high returns and tolerance to common pests and diseases.
Kireger said recycling of seeds results in poor harvest.
“Kalro has been at the forefront in the production of climate-smart varieties that will do well under these challenges," he said.
Kireger said Kalro has also developed digital technologies that provide real time advice on weather patterns and ideal crops for every season and region.
"I encourage farmers to keep visiting our centres for advice on the available climate-smart varieties and other technologies,” he said.
HRI director Joseph Njuguna said farmers will benefit from training on the best farming practices to maximise yield.
He said the Mkulima Shops concept is the best shot towards increasing production and attaining food security.
Murang’a agriculture executive Kiringai Kamau said the county government will partner with Kalro to give farmers quality planting materials through cooperatives.
He said the Irungu Kang’ata-led administration in partnership with Kalro is set to roll out a training programme for the youth to be extension officers. They will then be deployed to villages to train farmers on the best and productive farming practices.