By Henry Owino
Siaya County, Kenya: “It starts with the right seed and use of water resources efficiently, that way you are on the road to successful farming,” Kassim Owino, Managing Director of Agriculture Seed Company Ltd and the Vice-Chairman, of Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK), advised farmers.
Owino urged farmers to always focus on early land preparation during a long dry spell in anticipation of the rains. He emphasized investing in certified seeds that are specific to their respective geographic regions is important for positive returns.
The Agri SeedCO Managing Director explained that respective geographic regions have different weather conditions for seed crops. “Also, do not forget that you need to have a soil test done to know for sure which nutrients to avoid and which to add to the soil. When it comes to fertilizer application, timing is key.”
For example, farmers based in dry areas should acquire seeds that are drought-tolerant and fast-maturing. This would save farmers from heavy losses in depressed rainfall while fertilizers depend on the richness of the soil.
Remember if all agronomical practices are adhered to and growth conditions are optimal, then a farmer can expect an average yield of 40 bags of maize per acre. However, keep in mind that maize variety also matters as some have better yields than others.
“Sometime back, we worked with Ukambani farmers and produced a drought-tolerant maize variety that is doing well in the region. We are developing seeds that are suitable to various regions amid the changing weather patterns,” Owino affirms.
The weather has become erratic and some areas that used to get heavy rainfall are no longer at ease. “So, as seed companies like ourselves to keep up with the changing weather patterns, we are investing more in research and producing seeds that are tolerant to specific climatic conditions,” he added.
Hope amid dilemma
This year 2023, many farmers in Kenya have been in dilemma while the planting season approaches amid a drought that devastated the country. Again, the Weatherman cautioned that when rains come back, it would be depressed rainfall thereby living already worried farmers in panic.
In an effort to encourage and give hope to farmers, the Seed Expert says farmers should look out for genuine seeds from manufacturers through the serial number codes provided in the packets. The code is sealed but upon scratching it reveals the serial number that the farmer can confirm by feeding the digits and sending an SMS to the number provided.
This is because most farmers rush to buy drought-tolerant seeds not knowing that there are fake seeds.
“Farmers must be very cautious as counterfeit seeds are also circulating in the market outside there. This is due to high competition in the seeds sector following new entrants,” The Agri SeedCo Kenya Managing Director reveals.
Concerning the high prices of seeds, he says seed production is an undertaking that requires huge resources. With the high production capital needed, it is unfortunate that costs have to trickle down to the farmer too.
For example, electricity, fuel, and manpower are some of the expenses dealt with and farmers in turn feel the effects of these albeit to a minimum. Additionally, the seed grower base also wants better returns for their supply hence the prices have to be the way they are to make the requisite profitable returns.
Despite all that Kenya still boasts of the best seed prices compared to other countries in Eastern Africa, favoring farmers in the region, according to research.
Currently, there is a new maize seed research and production facility that Agri SeedCo Kenya set up in Kitale. And for a while, maize production in Kitale, which is the country’s breadbasket seemed to have reached a plateau phase in terms of production.
“We figured out that this could be due to ‘tired’ soils or ‘tired’ seeds. That is why we set the facility to help boost yields,” Owino clarifies.
Farmers in the region stand to gain from new seed varieties brought closer to them, extension services, demonstrations, and improved and certified seeds are readily accessible. There are also employment opportunities for the residents of the region.
Introducing more maize variety
According to the expert, claims the search for seeds that can defeat Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND), the biggest threat to the crop, has not borne fruit despite many promises from researchers and seed companies is not true. He refutes it as a misconception because there are already two breeders and researchers still working on six maize varieties that are resistant to MLND.
The variety has not been released into the market but is in the final stages of assessing its viability. Otherwise, the preliminary results are showing great success in fighting the disease.
“We are releasing those seed varieties this year, so there is hope for farmers against MLND,” he affirms.
Get to your nearest agro dealer and grab a packet of maize seeds such as Sungura 301, Duma 43, Punda Milia, Simba 61, or Tembo 73 depending on one region and season.
Although some farmers still use farm-saved seeds during planting, it depends on the crops the farmer is growing. For open-pollinated crops, the use of such seeds is to an extent possible but for hybrid crops, the farmer should acquire new, certified, and disease-free seeds each planting season.
Using farm-saved seeds is, however, discouraged because one can plant infected material.
It is very true that fake seeds pose challenges to farmers. The Agri SeedCo is working hard to counter it and currently, there is adopted SMS technology to fight other deceitful seed makers.
So, to win the war over these duplicitous companies, there are new strategies Agri SeedCo has put in place and farmers are urged to report the unscrupulous sellers. Remember fraudulent seed makers have been the second largest seed manufacturers in the country after Kenya Seed Company as they sell fake products to unknowing farmers.
“We are, however, working on strategies to curb the menace. At Agri Seedco, our products contain labels that are unique to us and can’t be replicated,” Owino promises.
Our seeds have our unique ingredient, a Royal Sparkle added to them, which isn’t available to any other manufacturer, through which customers can identify the authentic seeds.
We also have seed authenticity identification stickers through a partnership with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Ministry of Agriculture.”
