NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) has issued a stern warning to farmers, urging them to report any suspected cases of counterfeit seeds as part of a nationwide effort to combat the growing menace.
This initiative is critical in protecting the integrity of Kenya’s agriculture sector and ensuring long-term food security.
Kephis Deputy Director in Kitale, Thomas Kosiom, emphasized the organization’s commitment to rooting out the illicit trade in fake seeds, which has plagued farmers across the country.
He revealed that Kephis has ramped up its crackdown on those involved in this illegal activity, with the law set to catch up with them soon.
Kosiom also called for a legislative review to increase penalties and impose stiffer sentences on those found guilty of selling counterfeit seeds.
“The current fines are not a sufficient deterrent,” he stated, highlighting the need for stronger legal measures to dissuade individuals from engaging in this dangerous trade.
The risks posed by fake seeds are severe, with Kosiom noting that they are often prone to diseases, which can spread to farms and take years to eradicate.
The consequences of this can be devastating, leading to significantly reduced crop yields and income losses for farmers.
Kosiom urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to Kephis.
He also advised those interested in selling seeds to obtain the necessary licenses from Kephis and ensure their supplies come from registered seed merchants.
Kephis is offering training to help farmers and business people identify genuine seed lots. Kosiom pointed out that regions with high demand for seeds, such as Bungoma, Mt. Elgon, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia, are among the worst affected by the illegal trade.
He added that seed shortages often exacerbate the problem, as unscrupulous traders exploit the situation to sell fake products.
This initiative is critical in protecting the integrity of Kenya’s agriculture sector and ensuring long-term food security.
Kephis Deputy Director in Kitale, Thomas Kosiom, emphasized the organization’s commitment to rooting out the illicit trade in fake seeds, which has plagued farmers across the country.
He revealed that Kephis has ramped up its crackdown on those involved in this illegal activity, with the law set to catch up with them soon.
Kosiom also called for a legislative review to increase penalties and impose stiffer sentences on those found guilty of selling counterfeit seeds.
“The current fines are not a sufficient deterrent,” he stated, highlighting the need for stronger legal measures to dissuade individuals from engaging in this dangerous trade.
The risks posed by fake seeds are severe, with Kosiom noting that they are often prone to diseases, which can spread to farms and take years to eradicate.
The consequences of this can be devastating, leading to significantly reduced crop yields and income losses for farmers.
Kosiom urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to Kephis.
He also advised those interested in selling seeds to obtain the necessary licenses from Kephis and ensure their supplies come from registered seed merchants.
Kephis is offering training to help farmers and business people identify genuine seed lots. Kosiom pointed out that regions with high demand for seeds, such as Bungoma, Mt. Elgon, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia, are among the worst affected by the illegal trade.
He added that seed shortages often exacerbate the problem, as unscrupulous traders exploit the situation to sell fake products.
