Seed company cautions farmers on counterfeits

Kenya Seed Company (KSC) has cautioned farmers against opting for counterfeit seeds after its recent price increase.

KSC managing director Willy Bett said unsuspecting farmers may fall prey to rogue traders who are keen on replicating the parastatal’s packaging in marketing counterfeits.

“We want to send a warning to all farmers to be wary of counterfeit maize seed which is likely to find its way to the market. Rogue traders are likely to cash in on our recent price review to offer fake seeds at a cheaper price,” said Mr Bett.

He called on the farmers to ensure that they only buy seed at its licensed agents and ensure they verify lot numbers. They should also insist on being issued with receipts on purchase.

“The farmers must to insist on being issued with a receipt which can be used as proof of purchase in case there is a problem with the seed,” he said.

Mr Bett said the company has introduced a sophisticated packaging system to curb replication after a rise in counterfeits especially in the North Rift and western Kenya last year.

Fake maize seed totalling more than two tonnes was netted from various stockists in the region during last year’s planting season.

This followed a joint swoop conducted by police and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis).

Mr Bett said the seed company has put in place surveillance mechanisms in conjunction with the police to rein in counterfeiters and called on the public to provide information for quick action.

The company reviewed its maize seed prices upwards to accommodate a new chemical for fighting the maize bug disease, increased payment to seed growers in addition to the cost incurred for the new packaging system.

(Read: Firm increases maize seed prices by 20pc)

The maize seed price rose by Sh30 per kilogramme (kg) meaning a two kg pack sells at Sh360 from Sh300. A 10 kg bag goes for Sh1,800 up from Sh1,500 while a 25 kg bag is retailing at Sh4,500 from Sh3,750.