Kisii: Farmers in Kisii county have been urged to check for quality marks and sticker labels from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) on seed packets to avoid purchasing counterfeit seeds. Speaking after a sensitisation forum and the launch of a national promotion campaign that rewards farmers for purchasing certified seeds in Kisii town, Bayer East Africa Managing Director John Kanyingi noted that using uncertified seeds would translate to low yields, thereby leading to food insecurity in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kanyingi emphasized that when a farmer invests in counterfeit seeds and they fail to perform, it results in reduced farm productivity and financial losses. He mentioned that unlike previous practices where farmers used multiple seeds in one hole to increase survival chances, the institution now provides single quality seeds capable of healthy germination and crop formation.
The Managing Director highlighted that the production and supply of hybrid seeds have h
elped farmers mitigate poor yields caused by unpredictable weather patterns in recent years. He explained that the adaptability of the hybrid seeds allows farmers in regions with varying rainfall, such as the lower eastern areas and Kisii, to achieve successful harvests despite short or moderate rains.
In addition to hybrid maize seeds, Kanyingi stated that they are supplying small-scale farmers with fertilisers and other farm inputs to boost maize production, a staple food in Kenya. Bayer’s Nyanza and South Rift Distributor Relationship Manager Calvin Nyaberi mentioned that the company has collaborated with distributors across more than 10 counties to provide seed varieties that can endure harsh environments.
Nyaberi added that the seed varieties produced are highly productive and capable of withstanding drought while protecting themselves against diseases. Catherine Manoti, a smallholder farmer and field service coordinator from Bobasi Constituency, shared that her crop yields have significantly increased
through her collaboration with Bayer. By purchasing the DK 777 hybrid maize variety from a certified Agrovet, she has achieved 40 sacks of maize per acre, enabling her to sustain her family.
Manoti also expressed her commitment to training other farmers on optimal cultivation methods to enhance their harvests.
