Thika: Experts have raised concerns over the excessive use of pesticides, warning that it is affecting food production, soil health, and human wellbeing. While advocating for the adoption of organic farming, specialists highlighted that prolonged use of agricultural chemicals has led to the degradation of farmlands, necessitating technical interventions to restore soil health and improve productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the experts, led by George Boro of PELUM Kenya, emphasized the importance of adopting organic seeds and reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals to promote healthier diets and combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. Speaking at an organic seeds expo in Thika, Kiambu County, Boro urged for greater investment in sustainable farming practices that maintain soil fertility while enabling farmers to produce safe and nutritious food.
Boro stressed the need for farmers to shift from overreliance on synthetic chemicals and to adopt farming methods that preserve the environment and enhance the quality of food consumed by households. “We need to rethink how we produce our food and give farmers practical alternatives that protect the soil, the environment, and ultimately the health of consumers,” he said.
Maina Karobia, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP who attended the event, called on the government to revive agricultural extension services to aid farmers in improving crop production. Karobia noted that the decline in these services has left many farmers without adequate technical support in areas such as crop selection, soil fertility management, and land use.
“Farmers need technical support to understand what is affecting their soils and how they can restore their fertility. We cannot expect increased productivity when our farmers lack access to agricultural extension services,” Karobia stated.
The experts called for stronger collaboration among farmers, agricultural experts, and the government to expand organic farming and increase access to organic seeds. They urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable agriculture and provide farmers with the necessary knowledge, inputs, and support to transition to safer and environmentally friendly production methods.
