Thika,
Friday, March 15, 2024
KNA by Muoki Charles
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has introduced two new maize varieties, the Ukamez-1 and Embu-537 that are drought resistant and high yielding, ahead of the planting season,Kalro Board Chairman Peter Weru while calling on farmers in semi-arid regions to embrace the two varieties said they are responsive to the effects of climate change and will help them get enough yields.
Speaking during a two-day Mkulima Expo 2024 at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Kandara, Murang’a County yesterday, Weru said as an organisation, they will continue to develop technologies including planting materials that are drought resistant and adaptive and that can withstand pests and diseases.
“We have continued to develop varieties that are drought responsive and high yielding. We can proudly say that agriculture has supported our country’s economy. We are calling on our farmers to ensure that they plant high quality and verified seeds for maximum production,” Weru said.
The Chairman at the same time called on the farmers to be on the lookout during this planting season, not to plant counterfeit seeds that have flooded the market.
He said they are working closely with other stakeholders including the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure there are no fake seeds in the market.
He at the same time called for support from the government and the private sector to promote research and dissemination of the technologies to benefit farmers in the grassroots.
“While we appreciate the support from stakeholders and the government, we also appeal for more support to ensure that these exhibitions on new technologies get to the farmer through outreach programmes and publicity,” Weru said.
He added that they have developed ICT platforms where farmers can access the best varieties of seeds within their comfort, making farming cheaper.Farmers led by Beatrice Mwangi welcomed the new varieties and called on Kalro to ensure they are available in the market early enough.
“Some of us have started planting and we hope the new varieties will not delay before they are distributed to the markets. We also ask them to shield us from shops that sell counterfeit seeds,” she said.
The farmers at the same time took issue with the new Finance Act that ensures that they produce an e-Tims invoice after selling their produce.
While terming it punitive, they accused MPs of failing them and taking them for a ride with the ’empty’ promises.
MPs from the Central region led by Edward Muriu (Gatanga) are proposing to have the Act amended to have a threshold introduced on whom to produce an e-Tims invoice after selling their farm produce.
Courtesy; KNA
