In an effort to safeguard the agricultural sector in Trans Nzoia County, Sammy Sichangi, the Chief Officer for Agriculture and Irrigation, has issued a call to action for agro-chemical stockists and dealers to combat the proliferation of counterfeit agricultural products in the region. Speaking at a one-day workshop organized by the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK) in collaboration with the county government’s Department of Agriculture, Sichangi emphasized the urgent need for vigilance against counterfeit products that pose significant threats to farmers and crop yields.
Sichangi expressed concern over the adverse effects of counterfeit agricultural products on farmers in Trans Nzoia, particularly in the leading maize-producing county where pest and disease management are critical for ensuring crop productivity. He highlighted the pivotal role of agro-dealers in disseminating knowledge and resources to farmers, underscoring the importance of equipping them with the necessary skills and information to identify and mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit products.
Acknowledging the valuable contribution of agro-dealers in supporting farmers, Sichangi commended AAK for its advocacy efforts promoting better farming practices, improved food security, and enhanced agricultural health. He emphasized the need for continuous capacity-building initiatives to enhance the knowledge and skills of agro-dealers, ensuring they can effectively advise farmers on crop management practices and the safe use of agricultural inputs.
Sichangi lauded Governor George Natembeya’s initiative to partner with agro-dealers in providing training to farmers across the county, particularly in the areas of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and the safe handling of agricultural inputs. He emphasized the importance of empowering farmers with accurate and up-to-date information, highlighting the role of agro-dealers as trusted sources of knowledge within the farming community.
Kennedy Kagai, the County Crop Director, echoed Sichangi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing farmer networks and trusted channels to disseminate information on sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. He underscored the department’s commitment to supporting farmers by providing training on the correct use of biopesticides and effective farming solutions to mitigate crop threats and enhance productivity.
The workshop concluded with a call for collective action to combat counterfeit agricultural products and promote sustainable farming practices, with participants pledging to play an active role in safeguarding the agricultural sector in Trans Nzoia County.
