Trans nzoia: The government is set to launch thorough investigations to identify individuals involved in the production and distribution of fake seeds and fertiliser, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has said.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kagwe made this announcement during a visit to the Kenya Seed Company in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where he described the production and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs as a serious economic crime whose magnitude could be compared to treason. He emphasized the government’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting those behind the syndicate.
Kagwe underscored the importance of food security, equating it to internal security, and condemned the theft from farmers through fake seeds and fertiliser as a grave economic offense. He called on government investigative agencies to ensure thorough investigations and prosecutions for those found guilty.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted how counterfeit seeds and fertiliser have previously hindered farmers from achieving full production potential, leading to poor yields and frustrating farmers’ efforts. He also voiced concerns over climate change-induced unpredictable weather patterns and noted the Kenya Seed Company’s efforts to develop drought-resistant seed varieties with the help of qualified experts.
Kagwe warned of a potential 30 per cent decline in maize production compared to last year due to poor rainfall but assured Kenyans that existing stocks would cushion the deficit. He affirmed the sufficiency of planting seeds for all crops and adequate maize stocks in the National Cereals and Produce Board stores.
The CS also mentioned the possibility of introducing additional subsidies to protect farmers from losses due to adverse weather conditions. He encouraged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities to mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather, rather than relying heavily on a single crop.
