Egerton University: Education for the Advancement of Humanity

KENYA SEED COMPANY LIMITED

www.kenyaseed.co.ke

Kenya Seed Company Headquarters (Mbegu Plaza)

054-31909

Kitale.

PRESS RELEASE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sammy K. Chepsiror

Public Relations Manager
Office: 054-31651.

Mobile: 0722832132

KENYA SEED COMPANY PRESS RELEASE ON MAIZE SEED SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY

Introduction:

Kenya Seed Company is a parastatal under the Ministry of Agriculture whose main mandate is to produce top quality certified seeds for the country’s community with an overall objective of enhancing food security in our country.

our attention is drawn to numerous enquiries by farmers regarding supply of for 2010/2011 planting season. The company would like to clarify the seed situation to enable the Kenyan farmer make informed decisions during the planting season.

SEED SUPPLY SITUATION.

The Mandate of Kenya Seed Company Limited is to avail top quality certified seed to the farmer. Indeed over the years, our performance in seed distribution within the country is unmatched. The company is committed to this mandate and we always strive to meet the farmers’ expectations.

The planting period for maize comprises two seasons. The main planting season starts from February, and runs through April. About70% of our seed is sold during the long rains season. The second season starts from July and runs through August. This is referred to as the short rains season.

Sales Trend

Our sales trend over the last 5 years averages 17.5 million (kgs) maize seed for the long rains and 6 million (kgs) during the short rains season. As at the end of March, 2011, we had disbursed 14 million kgs of seed (85%). We plan to sell a further 1 million (kgs) during the month of April, through our distribution channels including depots (Kakamega, Bungoma, Eldoret, Kitale, Kisii, Kericho, Nakuru and others).

In a departure from previous seasons though, we have witnessed long queues of farmers waiting to buy seed at our depots. This may be explained regretfully by media reports on counterfeits by some unscrupulous traders.

This current season however we are experiencing an increase in demand for seed, particularly H614, H6213, H624 and H6210. This increase could be attributed to:-

a) Government Intervention.

Last financial year the Government of Kenya, through the Economic Stimulus and Seed relief programmes, bought seeds worth Kshs.600 million. Most of this seed was planted in areas that have not been our traditional production areas. The programmes were designed to alleviate the problems of food security in the country with consequent increase in demand for seed in subsequent seasons.

b) Commercial Maize Prices

The current commercial maize prices are high. Some markets have already recorded trading prices over Kshs.2,500.00 per 90 kg bag of maize. This coupled with predictions of drought for the current year by Kenya Meteorological Department has led to increased demand for seed.

c) Subsidized Fertilizer

The availability of subsidized fertilizer especially DAP and CAN has encouraged farmers to commit more land to plating maize.

d) Lags in reacting to increased demand

The Company can not react to the increase in seed immediately since the process of seed. Increase takes a minimum of 3 – 5 years.

Way Forward

As a company we are alive to the farmers /customers changing needs. Specifically, the company plans to undertake the following strategies:-

· In response to the increase to demand and the latest weather forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department the company has increased the acreage under seed maze by 20%. This should cater for the increase in demand and build our strategic seed resources.

· We have embarked on production in other countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania). Production from these countries shall take care of their local demand and ultimately reduce pressure of Kenya.

· We are encouraging farmers to diversify production to drought tolerant crops. Famers in Narok, Uasin Gishu should plant wheat as an alternative to maize. Famers in Trans Nzoia, for example, should plant Beans to improve on their diet. Farmers are advised to plant pasture, sorghum, oats, and finger millet besides maize.

· The acreage under irrigation by 10% to address the problems of over reliance on rain fed agriculture.

· Farmers are advised to seek for information from the nearest Ministry of Agriculture, KEPHIS and Kenya Seed Offices on the best crops to grow. In order to realize high yield, famers are advised to plant early and apply the recommended rates of fertilizers.

Our contacts are :

Kenya Seed Company Limited

Mbegu Plaza

P.O Box 553-30200 Kitale Kenya

Tel : 054-31909-14

Fax : 054-30385,31775

Mobile : 0722205144,0726141856,0733623668

Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .