Kenya Seeds Company Chairperson Purity Wangui Ngirici has urged farmers across the country to always verify the quality and standards of seeds before planting on their farms.
She emphasized that the company has introduced a specific code on seed packets that farmers could use to confirm certification by scratching and sending code in the packet as SMS to 1393. This initiative aims to protect farmers from falling victim to unscrupulous traders selling counterfeit seeds.
Ngirici noted that the sale of fake seeds has significantly contributed to declining food production in the country, a situation that jeopardizes Kenya’s food security.
“We want to ensure that farmers across the country are planting the right seeds that are of good quality and meet all standards,” she said.
Speaking at Inoi ward, Kirinyaga Central, the chairperson assured farmers that the government has put in place stringent measures to safeguard them against such fraudulent practices.
She also stated that the Kenya Seeds Company has enough stock of certified seeds ahead of the planting season and announced that the cost of seeds has been reduced to make them more affordable.
“We are committed to supporting our farmers because agriculture is the backbone of our economy. By planting certified seeds, we can boost food production and secure the future of this nation,” Ngirichi remarked.
She used the opportunity to inform the residents on challenges with the Social Health Authority that the Ministry of Health would establish clear structures and strategies to ensure that the health scheme benefits all Kenyans.
“The government must act swiftly to implement the Social Health Authority in a way that is transparent and beneficial to all Kenyans. Access to healthcare should not be a burden to our people,” she stated.
The chairperson further urged parents to take a more active role in the lives of their children, particularly the youth. She warned against violence and encouraged communities to uphold peace, noting that stability is key to economic growth.
“When there is peace in our country, we see stability in the economy. Violence and division only pull us backward,” she added.
By Gadwilliam Kiragu and Kimwele Mwende