Nairobi: Thousands of maize farmers in Vihiga County are set to benefit from a new agricultural training programme by BAYER Africa aimed at increasing maize yields through improved planting practices and the use of high-performing seed varieties. The programme targets about 20,000 farmers in Vihiga and neighbouring counties, promoting the ‘one seed per hole’ planting method alongside the use of hybrid maize varieties such as DK777.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a farmer training session in Sabatia Sub-county, BAYER Africa Client Economist Cosmas Kiprop stated that the initiative seeks to help farmers maximize production while reducing the cost of seed and improving resilience against climate variability, pests, and crop diseases. Demonstration farms have been established in Sabatia, Hamisi, and Emuhaya to provide practical training on proper planting techniques, spacing, fertilizer application, weed management, and harvesting.
Kiprop explained that BAYER Africa collaborates with local agro-dealers to ensure timely availability of certified seed and fertilizer, while county agriculture officers participate in the programme to provide continued technical support to farmers. He noted that many farmers traditionally plant multiple seeds in one hole as insurance against poor germination, a practice that leads to unnecessary seed wastage and reduced crop performance.
He emphasized that planting one seed per hole allows each plant adequate access to nutrients, improves air circulation within the crop, and reduces disease incidence, while significantly lowering the amount of seed required. Farmers need only about four kilograms of seed per acre when using the recommended planting method, compared to up to 16 kilograms under the traditional practice. Those who adopted the technique in the previous season reported easier and faster weeding due to better crop spacing.
To address declining maize productivity in the county, Kiprop highlighted that BAYER Africa is promoting maize varieties suited to different agro-ecological zones. DK777 performs well in the mid-altitude areas of Vihiga due to its uniform growth, high grain quality, and tolerance to common diseases and low rainfall periods. The organisation recommends DK777 and DK9709 for high-altitude areas, DK777 for mid-altitude zones, and DK831 for lower, drier regions.
Demonstration farms in Sabatia recorded yields of up to 18 bags of maize per acre compared to the county average of about nine bags. Kiprop added that matching seed varieties with ecological zones can increase production by between 30 and 50 percent. He advised farmers to harvest maize only when it is mature and dry it thoroughly before storage to minimize post-harvest losses.
BAYER Africa encourages farmers to participate in field days held across the county to learn modern farming practices and consult local agro-dealers on suitable seed and fertilizer before planting. The organisation plans to assess crop performance in August and conduct additional training on proper maize storage in September to reduce post-harvest losses and improve household food security.
