Researchers at the Kenya Seed Company (KSC) are working in collaboration with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) in order to establish new seed varieties capable of sustaining changing climate caused by global warming and ensure production of high yields.
Addressing the media in Kitale, the Seed Company Marketing Manager Mr. Sammy Chepsiror said climate change and unpredictable weather patterns had become major challenges to farmers in Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties, hence the urgent need for players in the seed industry to come up with new crop varieties that can withstand the vagaries of weather.
Chepsiror said the company would upscale sensitization campaigns aimed at training farmers in the region on modern technologies and changing trends in order for them to reap maximum benefits from the farming activity.
Mrs. Jane Gitau, the KSC Communication Officer, advised farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers and strictly follow their expert advice to effectively deal with controllable diseases to realize bumper harvests.
On his part, The KEPHIS Regional Manager, Kitale Branch, Mr. Ephraim Wachira revealed that cases of sell of fake seeds to unsuspecting farmers had drastically dropped.
Wachira lauded inspectors whom he said were ever in the field, where they keenly monitor dealers in seeds.
“We are working closely with agricultural extension officers to ensure farmers only get quality and certified seeds from the market,” Wachira told journalists.
The official noted the organisation had mounted awareness campaigns in which farmers are enlightened on how to identify genuine and fake seed varieties.
