Bayer East Africa warns farmers against fake seeds ahead of long rains
The company urges growers to buy certified seeds to protect yields and household incomes.
KENYA – Bayer East Africa has called on farmers across the country to avoid counterfeit seeds this planting season, warning that fake inputs continue to cause crop failure and income losses.
Speaking during a promotion campaign in Kisii, Managing Director John Kanyinke said uncertified seeds have hurt thousands of smallholder farmers. He noted that many growers buy seeds from unlicensed dealers and later report poor germination and weak crops.
“We are telling our farmers to purchase seeds only from licensed agro dealers and verify packaging details, including KEPHIS certification labels,” Kanyinke said. “When farmers plant certified seeds, they increase productivity in maize, beans, and horticultural crops that feed this country.”
Kanyinke said the campaign aims to protect farmers and support national food supply. He explained that genuine seeds help farmers achieve stable harvests, especially during the long rains season. He added that strong yields reduce financial pressure on rural households.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service has stepped up inspections and farmer awareness efforts ahead of planting. Authorities want to curb the spread of counterfeit agricultural inputs in local markets.
Farmers in Kisii welcomed the message. Catherine Kemunto from Bobasi said certified DK maize seeds improved her output. “I used to harvest barely ten bags, but now I get up to 40 sacks,” she said.
She explained that the higher yield has helped her pay school fees and cover family expenses. She now guides other farmers on proper seed selection and crop management.
Peter Nyabuto, also from Bobasi, shared his experience with fake seeds. “I once bought seeds from an unverified dealer, and the crop did not germinate evenly,” he said. “I harvested very little that season.” He now buys seeds only from licensed agro dealers.
Kanyinke stressed that farmers must stay alert and report suspicious products to authorities.
Separately, Bayer’s parent company in Germany recently offered to pay up to US$7.25 billion to settle current and future Roundup claims in the United States.
The company bought Monsanto in 2018 for US$63 billion. Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson said the proposal would help the firm focus on its core mission while a Missouri court reviews the agreement and the US Supreme Court considers a related case.
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