Government to crackdown counterfeit Agrochemicals

Kerugoya,

 Monday, September 11, 2023

 KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

The government has embarked on a crackdown on all counterfeit agrochemicals in the country.

 Crop Production PS Kello Harsama, speaking in Mwea sub-county, during an Agricultural Expo organized by Agitech Seedlings Company, said they were aware of some unscrupulous individuals selling fake chemicals to unsuspecting members of the public.

Consequently, officials from the Pest Control Products Board(PCPB) are currently visiting various agro vets and farms across the country to ensure that the products being sold are of the prescribed standards.

The PS said before any agrochemical is registered, it goes through a rigorous evaluation by PCPB for toxicology, ecotoxicology as well and environmental effects on humans and animals.

“We are aware that some people are selling chemicals that have not been prescribed by the ministry, we have a unit called PCPB, which is mandated with the task of ensuring that standards are adhered to. They are visiting Agrovets and farms to ensure that the right chemicals are used. Also, they are ensuring that chemicals that are not fit for human health are removed,” he said.

Harsama called on farmers to report back to the board whenever they suspect fake products are sold to them, adding that this is one way of ensuring that counterfeits are removed from the market.

The Expo brought together farmers to learn about best practices, the right seedlings, varieties, and agri-financing opportunities.

The PS used the opportunity to explain government policies and strategies on the agricultural sector, adding that such events will help in determining the best way of implementing the government agenda.

During the occasion, he also assured rice farmers that the chemicals used in controlling the invasive apple snails have been well stocked and they should not experience any shortage.

Harsama equally urged farmers to register for the subsidized fertilizers program in large numbers, adding that the national government was working closely with counties to ensure more stores for the manure are availed in every sub-county.

“Accessing cereals boards has been a challenge, but we have received direction from the president to open stores in every ward for ease of accessibility, We will be working with county governments towards this endeavor,” he reiterated.

On his part, Family Bank Chairperson Wilfred Kiboro said the future of business was in agribusiness, citing that every farming activity needed financing and that the bank is currently investing in agri-technology and supporting the value chain.

“Every farming technology, innovation, tilling, selling, fertilizers and chemicals require finances and we as the bank are supporting farmers in any way possible, especially now that we are investing in farm technology,” he said.

Kiboro said agriculture remains the backbone of our country because it was not only a source of food, but also created employment opportunities.

The chairperson called upon the graduates to know agribusiness was a major source of money.

The coordinator of the expo Mureithi Mwai urged farmers to plant correct seedlings, ahead of the El Nino rains as predicted by the meteorological department

Courtesy; KNA