Farmers urged to use certified agrochemicals for better yields

Speaking during a farmers’ training session at Agitech Seedlings Centre in Mwea, Rainbow Agro Company group managing director  ML Sharma emphasized the need for vigilance when purchasing farm inputs. He noted that counterfeit and substandard agrochemicals were infiltrating the market, leading to poor harvests and losses for hardworking farmers.

Sharma announced that Rainbow Agro Company, in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, will traverse various counties to educate farmers on how to identify and purchase only certified agrochemicals. He stressed that empowering farmers with knowledge was key to boosting agricultural output and protecting livelihoods.

His sentiments were echoed by Peter Karanja, the Director of Mazao na Afya, an organization that has partnered with Rainbow to spearhead the training. Karanja warned that the use of unapproved chemicals, which have not been certified by the Pest Control Products Board, was harming both farmers and consumers. He underscored the importance of regulatory compliance to ensure safe and productive farming.

“Many farmers unknowingly buy counterfeit products, hoping to improve their yields, only to suffer huge losses. These chemicals not only affect crops but can also have long-term effects on human health when consumed,” Karanja cautioned.

The training in Mwea attracted dozens of farmers eager to learn about modern farming techniques and the safe use of agrochemicals. Geoffrey Kariuki, a rice farmer in Mwea, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, saying it would help them make informed choices and increase their production.

“This training has opened our eyes. We now understand the importance of verifying agrochemicals before using them.We believe this knowledge will translate into better harvests and improved earnings for us,” Kariuki said.

With the agricultural sector being the backbone of Kenya’s economy, experts insist that such training programs are crucial in addressing challenges posed by counterfeit farm inputs. Farmers are now being encouraged to buy agrochemicals from certified dealers and seek expert advice before applying any product on their farms.