Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei has assured farmers that the country has enough maize seeds for the coming planting season.
The assurance comes as most farmers across the country step up preparation of their land in readiness for the expected long rains.
Speaking during a visit at the Kenya Seed Company stores in Kitale, Koskei confirmed that the giant seed producer has enough certified seeds to meet the country’s agricultural needs, as he warned the government has put in place strategies to ensure that fake seeds do not find way to the farmers.
“Kenya Seed Company is ready to ensure the country’s seed demand is met and that farmers get high quality seeds on time. The government is ready to support the efforts to ensure that food security is addressed,” he emphasized.
According to Koskei, the Company has so far seen production of 15 million kilograms of certified maize seeds which are ready for dispatch.
He added that 13 million kilograms more are still undergoing treatment and soon will be ready.
Meanwhile he revealed that the country has witnessed an increase in maize production this year owing to farmers adhering to good farming practices and the government’s fertilizer subsidy.
“This year the country has witnessed increased food production which can be attributed to government intervention mechanisms like fertilizer subsidy. For instance, we have seen production of 36 million kilograms of maize produce, 8 million kilograms more than what was witnessed last year,” he stated.
As he urged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities and stop overreliance on maize, Koskei revealed Kenya Seed Company has moved ahead on that front with focus on production of wheat and pasture seeds.
Last year, Kenya Seed produced three hundred thousand metric tonnes of wheat seeds. This year, the Company is finalizing production of 1million metric tonnes. We urge our farmers to consider diversification,” he said.
Hailing the Company’s strategic partnerships and collaborations with Agricultural Development Cooperation (ADC) and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Koskei said the relations ought to be nurtured for long term as they will help address challenges of food security.
“Through collaborations with ADC for example, Kenya Seed Company can get land for leasing. We are confident that with these interventions, prices will stabilize, therefore benefitting both farmers and consumers,” he stressed.
By Isaiah Nayika and Sheila Kirui