The government is set to launch thorough investigations to identify individuals involved in the production and distribution of fake seeds and fertilizer, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has said.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County during a visit to the Kenya Seed Company in Kitale, Kagwe described the production and distribution of counterfeit agricultural inputs as a serious economic crime whose magnitude could be compared to treason.
He said the government would not relent until all individuals behind the syndicate were identified and brought to book.
“Food security is an important component just like internal security. Stealing from innocent farmers through the circulation of fake seeds and fertilizer is, according to me, a serious economic crime which should be compared to treason,” he said.
Kagwe urged all government investigative agencies to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated and those found culpable prosecuted.
The CS said the production and distribution of counterfeit seeds and fertilizer had previously hampered farmers from achieving their full production potential, resulting in poor yields and frustrating the efforts of many farmers.
He also expressed concern over unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change, saying the Kenya Seed Company was working with qualified experts to develop and avail drought-resistant seed varieties to farmers.
Kagwe said the country could record a 30 per cent decline in maize production compared to last year due to poor rainfall but assured Kenyans that the deficit would be cushioned by existing stocks.
He said the country had sufficient planting seeds for all crops and adequate maize stocks in the National Cereals and Produce Board stores.
“I take this opportunity to assure Kenyans that, as much as maize production has been greatly affected by poor rainfall patterns, there is no reason for alarm. We have enough stock in our cereal boards, and if we fall short, we may consider importing from our COMESA counterparts,” he said.
The CS also hinted at the possibility of introducing additional subsidies to cushion farmers from losses occasioned by adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Kagwe advised farmers to diversify their agricultural activities instead of relying heavily on a single crop, saying diversification would help them cope with the effects of unpredictable weather patterns.
By Isaiah Nayika
