The government has announced a raft of measures that will see the country realize its targets of reducing the importation of maize by 2025.
Principal Secretary in charge of crop development Paul Rono who spoke Monday in Trans Nzoia directed an immediate crackdown on dealers of fake seeds across the country.
Rono asked the relevant state agencies which include the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) in conjunction with seed inspectors to mount the operation to ensure all the seeds sold to farmers are certified.
“We want to ensure that what farmers purchase for planting are unadulterated…for a long time farmers have fallen prey to unsuspecting dealers who sell fake seeds but we are telling them their days are over,” he sounded.
This, he said, has greatly affected yields.
Rono made the remarks after chairing a joint board meeting of the Kenya Seed Company Limited (KSC) and Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) at Mbegu Plaze in Kitale.
He also urged the two institutions to enhance collaboration in the production of a certified variety of seeds and develop climate-proof seeds based on various research findings.
Other measures include taking stock of land parcels including full utilization to ward off grabbing and engagement of both small and large-scale seed farmers.
All these initiatives, he noted, are geared towards availing of quality, affordable and resilient seeds for the farmers.
“In this regard, I urged upon the board of directors and management of the agencies to stamp their authority in the running of their Institutions,” he said.
Speaking in Eldoret, President William Ruto said his administration has focused on ensuring farmers increase their production.
He said he would ensure that farmers use 100kgs of fertilizer instead of 50kgs per acre of land during planting.
"I know most farmers use 50kgs of fertiliser per acre. From next year, we will double that and by 2025 Kenya will not be importing food into the country again. We will make sure that our farmers produce enough and benefit from their hard work," said the head of state.