The government is planning interventions to cushion farmers from the effects of drought as prolonged dry conditions threaten maize production in some parts of the country.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government would support farmers affected by changing weather patterns while putting measures in place to safeguard the country’s food security.
Kagwe spoke after an assessment tour of Eldoret, Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties, where he acknowledged the impact of adverse weather conditions on maize production.
He assured Kenyans that the country would remain food secure despite the challenges facing farmers.
“We will not allow Kenyans to suffer from hunger because of the current weather conditions,” Kagwe said.
The CS said the government was working on interventions to cushion farmers against climate change while strengthening food production and maintaining a stable supply of essential commodities.
Kagwe warned against the sale of counterfeit seeds, saying the illegal trade was undermining agricultural production and causing farmers to incur losses.
He said some farmers only discover that they have bought fake seeds five to six months after planting, when their crops fail.
Kagwe directed security agencies to intensify the crackdown on traders involved in the sale of counterfeit seeds.
He also called on Members of Parliament to support legislation that would classify the sale of fake seeds as an economic crime.
The CS urged farmers to verify both the source and seller when buying seeds and to purchase certified varieties from recognised institutions, including Kenya Seed Company and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
Kagwe commended Kenya Seed Company for ensuring farmers continue to access quality seeds despite the prevailing weather conditions.
Kenya Seed Company chief executive officer Sammy Chepsiror assured farmers that the country has adequate seed stocks.
Chepsiror said the government’s subsidy programme had enabled more farmers to plant, contributing to increased agricultural production.
He said last year’s commercial maize harvest reached nearly 70 million 90-kilogramme bags.
According to Chepsiror, this year’s production had shown strong potential before drought affected several maize-growing regions.
He expressed confidence that planned government interventions would help cushion affected farmers and sustain food production.
Kagwe was accompanied during the tour by Nandi County Deputy Governor Yulita Mitei Cheruiyot, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Tea Board of Kenya and the chief executive officer of Kenya Seed Company.
