Kwale farmers urged to adopt certified seeds to boost yields

By Shaban Omar

Farmers in Kwale County have been urged to embrace certified seeds to increase agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking during a promotional campaign targeting maize farmers in Ukunda, Bayer East Africa officer David Muchiru said the use of certified seeds guarantees higher yields, resilience against pests, and better earnings for both smallholder and commercial farmers.

He noted that many farmers across the coastal region still rely on recycled or uncertified seeds, leading to poor harvests and persistent food insecurity.

Muchiru said certified seeds undergo strict quality checks and are bred to withstand harsh climatic conditions such as prolonged droughts, which often affect parts of Kwale including Kinango and Lunga-Lunga sub-counties.

“When farmers invest in certified seeds, such as DK777 they invest in the future of their farms. Good yields mean more food on the table and more money in the pocket,” he said.

Muchiru highlighted the DK777 certified maize seeds as one of the high-performing varieties suitable for the coastal region, saying farmers can harvest between 40 and 70 bags per acre with ease when proper farming practices are followed.

“This variety has been tested and proven. It is drought-tolerant, fast-maturing, and gives farmers real value for their investment,” he said.

Muchiru encouraged farmers’ cooperatives, agro-dealers, and local administrators to support awareness campaigns that demystify the use of certified seeds and educate farmers on best farming practices.

He also told farmers that using DK777 certified seeds comes with added advantages beyond improved yields.

Muchiru revealed that each seed packet contains a scratch panel that allows farmers to enter a reward campaign by sending the revealed code to a dedicated number.

He said the initiative is designed to motivate farmers to embrace genuine, high-quality seeds while also giving them a chance to benefit from farming support tools.

“This is not just about buying seeds. When farmers scratch and submit the code, they stand a chance to win prizes that can make a big difference on their lives,” Muchiru said.

He revealed that several farmers in the Coast region have already won assorted prizes, including knapsack sprayers and other things, rewards that have helped them cut production costs and improve efficiency.

Muchiru urged more farmers to take advantage of the promotions, saying they are part of wider efforts to strengthen smallholder farming in the county.

He said the campaign is part of the company’s broader commitment to supporting the national food security agenda.

According to Muchiru, Bayer East Africa aims to empower farmers with both knowledge and reliable inputs, ensuring they can produce more food even under challenging climatic conditions.

One of the farmers, Abdalla Chengo, affirmed that the DK777 seed variety is reliable and highly effective.

He said he has witnessed significant improvements on his farm since he switched to certified seeds.

Chengo noted that when farmers follow the recommended planting procedures such as proper spacing, timely weeding, and correct fertilizer application, the benefits often exceed expectations.

“These seeds respond very well when you do the right thing. The harvest is better, and you can see the difference compared to ordinary seeds,” he said

He encouraged other smallholder farmers in the region to adopt certified seeds and take advantage of the ongoing awareness campaigns, saying improved inputs are key to overcoming low yields and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Another farmer, Francis Menza, who is among the winners of the promotion campaign, said the initiative has already made a meaningful difference in his farming activities.

Menza won a knapsack sprayer after submitting the code from the DK777 seed packet.

He said the equipment will greatly assist him in controlling pests and crop diseases, which have been a major challenge for many farmers in the region.

“This sprayer will help me a lot during spraying. It will make work easier and ensure my crops are protected throughout the season,” Menza said.

He encouraged other farmers to participate in the campaign, noting that such rewards not only motivate farmers to embrace certified seeds but also equip them with tools that enhance productivity.