The Kenya Seed Company has introduced new varieties of seeds and technologies meant to help enhance productivity and boost the country’s food security.
According to Kenya Seed Eldoret branch manager Esther Cherop, the company has introduced integrated farming targeting farmers who have small farms.
The new maize seeds, Cherop notes, have the ability to produce more bags of maize.
“We have maize seeds that have the ability to produce up to 40 bags per acre,” she said.
Speaking during the ongoing Eldoret ASK show, the Kenya Seed Eldoret Manager further noted that they have maize seeds able to withstand and do well under low moisture.
The company that produces and markets top-quality seeds for the country’s farming community also makes livestock feeds, pasture seeds aimed at boosting milk production.
“We also have vegetable varieties, among them cabbages that produce 40 tones within the shortest period of time,” Cherop said.
She challenged farmers to always focus on using seeds that have been manufactured by credible and certified seed companies.
The company also warned farmers to be aware of fake seeds that they might come across in the markets, especially at this time when the demand is high.
“Fake seeds are real, so I am also urging farmers to buy seeds from our appointed dealers, when one buys seed, the dealer should show you license and the seeds’ package have stickers so that one can scratch and send the cord to confirm if they are genuine or not,” said Cherop.
The Kenya Seed Eldoret Manager also revealed that they have entered into a partnership with financial institutions to help provide loans to farmers to be able to purchase farm inputs, and later repay after harvesting.
Farmers have been lamenting over the increasing cost of farm inputs – especially fertilizers, with many saying they might not be able to plant this season.
