Firm taps into technology to curb sale of counterfeit seeds

Kenya Seed Company (KSC) has devised a digital platform to fight counterfeits in the market.
The company's products now have sealed codes that buyers can scratch to reveal the numbers that they send through short message service (SMS) to verify the authenticity of the seeds.
Speaking to The Standard in his office, KSC Managing Director Willy Bett expressed confidence that the move will boost war against unscrupulous dealers.

"The company has been losing over 20 per cent of its profit to counterfeits and we are upbeat that from the current innovation, buyers will be able to determine whether the product they are paying for is genuine or not," he said.
Bett said every SMS will cost Sh2 and the reply will be instant. 

"Our distribution outlets will soon embark on educating the public on the importance of making use of the digital platform each time they acquire seeds so that even as they plant, they are assured of good yields."