Meru: The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has embarked on a sensitisation campaign aimed at empowering farmers in Meru County to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit planting seeds. This initiative follows reports of deceptive practices within the county, where two individuals were apprehended for selling counterfeit seeds to farmers, and three others were caught selling seeds without proper licenses.
According to Kenya News Agency, Simon Maina, Director of Seeds Certification and Plant Variety Protection at KEPHIS, emphasized during a press briefing that the primary goal of the exercise is to ensure farmers receive value for their investment by identifying certified seeds. Maina highlighted the importance of purchasing seeds from licensed stockists, who maintain their licenses by selling only certified seeds.
Maina explained that farmers should look for a KEPHIS sticker on seed packets, which includes a scratch panel. By scratching the panel and sending the revealed number via a tex
t message to 1393, farmers can confirm the certification status of the seeds. If the feedback includes matching information to the packet’s details, it indicates authenticity.
He also advised that farmers should receive receipts upon purchase, which can be used for future reference or in case of disputes. Proper storage of seeds in cool, dry conditions is crucial, and farmers should inspect seeds for damage or pesticide infestation before planting.
In instances of seed germination failure within two weeks, Maina urged farmers to report promptly, as seeds typically germinate within seven days. He emphasized retaining seed packets and receipts for complaint purposes, even in cases of unsatisfactory harvests.
For potato farmers, Maina advised checking for a large, durable KEPHIS label, warning that some unscrupulous dealers have been replicating these labels. KEPHIS is actively addressing issues of fake seeds nationwide, with 15 cases currently in court.
Maina called on farmers to report suspicious seed sell
ers to authorities, noting that KEPHIS operates under the Seeds and Plants Varieties Act, which stipulates quality standards and penalties for violations. He clarified that the law does not target informal exchanges of Indigenous seeds but rather those who mislead farmers with colored, uncertified seeds.
Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner Odilliah Ndeti urged stockists to maintain accurate records and partner with certified companies to ensure farmers receive legitimate seeds.
