'There are enough certified maize seeds'

Kenya: Kenya Seed Company Managing Director Willy Bett has assured farmers of adequate and quality maize seeds ahead of this year’s planting season.

Mr Bett said the company has produced enough seeds to meet the local demand and surplus unlike in the past years, encouraging farmers to prepare on time for the planting season.

The MD said maize seed production has gone beyond the normal 28 million tonnes and announced the availability of popular hybrids such as 6214 and 6213.

Speaking to The Standard, Bett said the company had produced more than enough seeds and that distribution network has been increased to enable farmers access the input.

“We have enough quality seeds in stock. The popular hybrid is available and we have increased the distribution network to cut transportation costs incurred by farmers,” he said.

 FAKE SEEDS

Urging farmers to embrace early land preparation, Bett noted, would boost yields and tame Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease.

“I urge our farmers to ensure timely land preparation and purchase of the seeds for better yields to minimise cases of diseases such as Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease,” he said.

He said the company has increased distribution centres for farmers to access the seeds without incurring transport costs.

Bett also disclosed the firm has put appropriate security measures to tame the sale of fake seeds by unscrupulous individuals, urging farmers to procure the seeds from registered agents.

Recently, the company unveiled a security system, which will help farmers detect fake seeds. The official pointed out that the existence of uncertified seeds poses a threat to food security.