Narok County, Kenya – the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has issued a warning to local farmers against the use of uncertified seeds during the current planting season. This advisory aims to combat the spread of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND), a significant threat to maize crops in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, an inspector at KEPHIS, the organization’s officers have been actively engaging with farmers across the county. These efforts include educating them on the importance of selecting certified seeds to maximize yield and profitability. The KEPHIS team has visited various areas known for maize cultivation, including Ntulele, Nkaretta, Sogoo, Nkosuani, Ololulunga, and Suswa. Their mission extends to both farmers and sellers at 67 different selling points, ensuring that all parties involved are dealing with approved seed varieties.
Sitenei emphasized the necessity for farmers to be vigilant in verifying the authenticity of seed packages. Each certified seed package comes with a unique code that can be used to confirm its quality directly with KEPHIS. “Certified seeds have a label. Farmers can scratch the label and get a number that they can confirm whether the seeds are genuine or not. Planting the right seeds will help farmers get the best results,” he stated.
Additionally, the KEPHIS inspector advised on the practice of crop rotation as a strategy to mitigate the impact of MLND. He recommended alternating maize with other crops like beans, sorghum, and potatoes. This approach not only helps in controlling MLND but also promotes healthier farming practices and potentially better harvests.
Sitenei also reported a decline in MLND cases, attributing this trend to the prolonged rainfall in the country. He noted that MLND typically thrives in prolonged dry spells. The disease, first identified in the county in 2011, is known for causing symptoms such as yellowing and drying of maize leaves, dwarfing, premature aging of plants, and eventual plant death.