Fight against fake seeds bearing fruit, says Kephis official

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Kibet said Kephis has released better and higher-yielding varieties of sorghum, pearl and finger millet, green grams, cowpeas amaranthus and vegetables suitable for Mbeere and other semi-arid parts of the country. Mbeere residents currently face food shortage due to massive crop failure owing to insufficient rains during the March-April season. “The reality of climate change has resulted in delayed and below-average rainfall and higher than normal temperatures hence the new crops for nutrition and food security. It is estimated that if farmers plant these crops, then their yields could increase by 10 per cent,” he said. Embu Agriculture Executive Annie Nyaga said the new certified varieties of drought-resistant crops introduced by Kephis and county government, the crops will withstand less rainfall and mature faster. During the field day, farmers recounted that they were facing unprecedented losses due to the emergence of diseases and pests such as Fall Army Worm, tuta absoluta, fruit flies, mealybugs and spider mites. Nancy Muthoni, from Kimangaru area, said FAW infestation for the last two consecutive years had devastated her maize crop. Ms Nyaga said they were working with relevant government agencies to control the disease and pests and outbreaks. “We are also advising farmers to ensure they use certified seeds for quality and disease-free seeds and also report any incident of disease or pest outbreak,” she added.Do not miss out on the latest news. Join the Standard Digital Telegram channel HERE.