Farmers Win Big in Bayer Campaign Promoting Certified Seeds
Farmers display prizes awarded during Bayer and KEPHIS’ certified seed verification campaign aimed at promoting the use of genuine seeds in Kenya.
Speaking during a farmer reward event organised by Bayer in collaboration with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Deputy Director for Seed Certification Ephraim Washira called on farmers across the country to remain vigilant against fake and uncertified seeds, saying the use of genuine certified seeds is key to improving food security and increasing farm productivity.
Washira said KEPHIS, which is responsible for seed quality assurance in Kenya, has continued to strengthen inspection and certification measures to ensure farmers only access quality planting materials.
“Fake seed is a very serious problem and the government is fully aware of it. That is why the Ministry of Agriculture has pushed us to carry out constant surveillance across the country to ensure farmers are protected,” said Washira.
He noted that fake seeds continue to threaten food security in Kenya, especially in maize farming, where many farmers incur huge losses after planting uncertified seeds.
According to Washira, many farmers spend thousands of shillings on land preparation, fertiliser and labour only to realise poor yields because of low-quality or counterfeit seeds.
“You can imagine a farmer who has prepared land, bought fertiliser and used labour for planting, but at the end of the day, because of poor-quality seed, they harvest maybe only 50 per cent of the expected yield,” he explained.
Washira praised Bayer for partnering with KEPHIS to promote the use of certified seeds through the scratch label verification campaign, saying the initiative has played a major role in educating farmers on how to identify genuine seeds.
He explained that farmers can verify the authenticity of seeds by scratching the code found on seed packets and sending it to 1393 free of charge. Farmers then receive instant feedback confirming whether the seed is genuine or fake.
“This sticker label is what helps farmers distinguish between genuine and fake seeds. If farmers detect fake seed, they contact us and we take action against those selling counterfeit products,” he said.
The colourful event also saw several farmers walk away with major prizes after participating in the verification campaign.
One lucky farmer won a brand-new pick-up truck, while another received a motorcycle. Other winners were awarded knapsack sprayers and additional farming-related prizes in recognition of their participation in the campaign.
Washira described the initiative as a positive way of rewarding farmers while simultaneously promoting awareness on seed certification.
“As you have seen today, one farmer has won a pick-up, another one a motorbike, knapsacks and other prizes. This is a very good effort by Bayer to appreciate farmers while also promoting the use of the seed sticker label,” he stated.
He further urged farmers to always verify seed packets before planting, regardless of the quantity purchased.
“The seed sticker is on all packets, whether it is 10 grams, two kilos or five kilos. A farmer only needs to scratch the code and send it to 1393. The feedback will confirm whether the seed is genuine,” he explained.
Washira added that the verification system also helps authorities trace fake seed suppliers and remove them from the market.
“If the seed is not genuine, the system alerts the farmer and directs them to contact KEPHIS. Once the complaint reaches us, we take the necessary legal action against those involved,” he said.
At the same time, Washira revealed that the government is currently reviewing the Seed and Plant Varieties Act to make the seed sector more inclusive, particularly for farmers who rely on indigenous seed varieties.
He said the reforms are expected to integrate indigenous seeds into the formal seed system so that farmers can produce and access certified indigenous varieties.
“We are looking at how indigenous varieties can also come on board so that farmers relying on them can multiply their seeds in a certified way and access quality indigenous seeds,” he noted.
Agricultural stakeholders attending the event welcomed the partnership between Bayer and KEPHIS, saying farmer awareness remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against counterfeit agricultural inputs.
The leaders maintained that promoting certified seeds would not only improve yields for individual farmers but also strengthen the country’s food security agenda.
The campaign comes at a time when Kenya continues to battle the circulation of fake farm inputs, which experts say have contributed to reduced productivity and economic losses among farmers.
Through the collaboration between Bayer and KEPHIS, authorities now hope more farmers will embrace seed verification technology and avoid falling victim to counterfeit seed dealers.
