Farmers from the North rift and Western regions have been asked to plant drought resistant crops to help supplement the nation with sufficient food that can cater for citizens, given the starvation in some parts of the nation due to drought. Speaking to West Media at the Kitale ASK Show, Kenya Seed Company Marketing Manager Sammy Chepsiror said the prolonged drought that has affected some parts of the country has led to food deficiency in parts of the country. He mentioned 23 Counties as most affected by the prolonged drought. He urged farmers from the region to use the available short rains to plant crops that are resistant to harsh climatic conditions.
He observed that most farmers have not embraced short season cropping, especially from the Rift Valley regions. Chepsiror disclosed that currently, the seed company has seeds available which can be planted and go through the expected short rainfall season. He said the essence of the seed company’s presence at the show ground was to educate farmers on better methods of agriculture.
“Our mission is to have sufficient food on the table for this country and we are dedicated to seeing that dream is attained without any further delays so as to improve the food security in the region,” said Chepsiror.
He appealed to farmers to visit the seed company every time and be advised on better farming techniques so that they can use the available information to help people other parts of the country
He, however, gave credit to most farmers who he said have visited the seed company both at the showground and its company and have picked up vital knowledge in the field of Agriculture. He admitted there are challenges in the sector disclosing that some businessmen are doing illegal business of selling fake seeds to farmers. He advised farmers to report such criminals.
He cautioned those unscrupulous businessmen involved in the racket of dire consequences promising to end the vice which he said has been rampant especially in Bungoma and Kakamega counties as they have taken advantage of a lack of information concerning fake seeds.
