Season after season farmers have been complaining about the quality of seeds on sale. Most seeds have a low germination rate and in some instances they do not germinate at all and farmers have been suffering in silence. This is because the planting season is characterised by high demand for certified seeds against low supply.
As a result, shady seed merchants take farmers for a ride by selling to them counterfeit seeds. These seeds are packaged in similar packets as that of certified ones. Farmers ought to be vigilant because the scam could reach extraordinary levels, especially this season crippling production and affecting millions directly.
Although some farmers have good judgement, when it comes to detecting fake seeds it is never fool proof. If the business of fake seeds is allowed to flourish, it will be a threat to the seed industry which each year loses millions of shillings in potential sales.
Farmers have explained how they have bought seeds packed similar to that of one of the seed companies in Kenya, even laced with a greenish or reddish chemical and well labelled. On planting there was no germination. “I planted two acres of maize last season” went on another farmer “only 40 per cent germinated”.
So how can you identify the true certified seeds?
Procure you seeds early enough to avoid the rush hour. The fake seeds are sold to desperate farmers who come late to acquire the seeds, this is because the certified seeds would have been depleted.
Buy seeds from a licensed agro-dealer permitted to sell seeds. Get to see the licence. Do not assume. This is because a certified agro-dealer will be hesitant to sell fake seeds. Check for the tag of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate service (KEPHIS) inside the package.
Different seed companies have different colours for identity. Be keen because the fake seed sellers have also perfected this too. Get assistance from agricultural officers when buying seeds. The government should not leave the seed sector unregulated leaves farmers at the mercy of unscrupulous seed dealers who have no fears supplying fake seeds, and in essence hold the agricultural sector at ransom.