Co-operative receives second consignment of certified hybrid seeds

By Bob Aston 

Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative society on February 17, 2014 received its second consignment of certified hybrid maize seeds weighing 2 tonnes. This consignment now brings the total volume of certified hybrid maize seeds the co-operative has received to 7.1 tonnes.

Some of the Co-operative members carrying certified seeds

The Co-operative has now spent Ksh 960,500 to buy certified seeds. The first seed consignment weighing 5.1 tonnes was worth 690,500 while the second consignment was worth Ksh 270,000.

The consignment consisted of varieties like H629, H520, H614 and H621. The Co-operative is selling a 25 Kg bag of maize seeds at Ksh 3,800, 10 Kg bag at Ksh 1,500 while 2 kg is being sold at Ksh 320.

Currently a 25kg bag of seeds is retailing at Ksh 4,000 in Sipili market while 10 kg is retailing at Ksh 1,500 with 2 kg retailing at Ksh 350.

Demand for certified seeds has been on the rise owing to the need to boost food production. The first maize consignment saw a high demand for H614. The variety was over in the Co-operative store room within a week.

Most farmers in Sipili prefer planting the H614. This maize variety is heavier compared to other maize, it can dry in the farm, is tolerant to blight, weevil attack and leaf and ear diseases.

“These are like traditional crops. They have been planted for a long time and most farmers trust and believe in them as they were among the first certified seeds to be introduced in Kenya,” said James Kamau, the Divisional Agriculture Officer, Sipili division.

Some of the Co-operative members carrying certified seeds

Certified seeds come with a guaranteed germination, less risk of seed borne diseases and improved yield. The Co-operative has been striving to ensure that farmer’s access input ahead of the planting season.

Tabitha Wanjiru, the Treasurer of Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society said that seeds are just one of the inputs required in order to enjoy good returns, but farmers must also play their part by following correct planting requirements as they had been taught during capacity building workshops organized by Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN).

 “We would like to urge farmers to buy certified seeds and also ensure soil analysis is carried out in the farms,” said Tabitha.

ALIN through Ng’arua Maarifa Centre, with support from the Ford Foundation, initiated the formation of the Co-operative to help farmers bulk produce, particularly maize.