The government is planning interventions to cushion farmers
from the effects of drought as prolonged dry conditions threaten maize
production in some parts of the country.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the
government would support farmers affected by changing weather patterns while
putting measures in place to safeguard the country’s food security.
Kagwe spoke after an assessment tour of Eldoret, Nandi and
Trans Nzoia counties, where he acknowledged the impact of adverse weather
conditions on maize production.
He assured Kenyans that the country would remain food secure
despite the challenges facing farmers.
“We will not allow Kenyans to suffer from hunger because of
the current weather conditions,” Kagwe said.
The CS said the government was working on interventions to
cushion farmers against climate change while strengthening food production and
maintaining a stable supply of essential commodities.
Kagwe warned against the sale of counterfeit seeds, saying
the illegal trade was undermining agricultural production and causing farmers
to incur losses.
He said some farmers only discover that they have bought
fake seeds five to six months after planting, when their crops fail.
Kagwe directed security agencies to intensify the crackdown
on traders involved in the sale of counterfeit seeds.
He also called on Members of Parliament to support
legislation that would classify the sale of fake seeds as an economic crime.
The CS urged farmers to verify both the source and seller
when buying seeds and to purchase certified varieties from recognised
institutions, including Kenya Seed Company and the Kenya Agricultural and
Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
Kagwe commended Kenya Seed Company for ensuring farmers
continue to access quality seeds despite the prevailing weather conditions.
Kenya Seed Company chief executive officer Sammy Chepsiror
assured farmers that the country has adequate seed stocks.
Chepsiror said the government’s subsidy programme had
enabled more farmers to plant, contributing to increased agricultural
production.
He said last year’s commercial maize harvest reached nearly
70 million 90-kilogramme bags.
According to Chepsiror, this year’s production had shown
strong potential before drought affected several maize-growing regions.
He expressed confidence that planned government
interventions would help cushion affected farmers and sustain food production.
Kagwe was accompanied during the tour by Nandi County Deputy
Governor Yulita Mitei Cheruiyot, the chairman and chief executive officer of
the Tea Board of Kenya and the chief executive officer of Kenya Seed Company.
