NAIROBI: Kenya Seed Company has moved in to counter the growing demand for pasture seeds in the North Rift by improving on its production.
The move has been realised following a drastic shift by farmers in the region from maize farming towards milk production. Speaking to the Standard at his office in Kitale, the Managing Director Willy Bett said the demand for pasture has soared and become a precious commodity sought after in the region and nationally to the-extend that getting seeds has become a struggle.
He said the recent attacks on the produce by the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) and prolonged drought in parts of the country are some of the reasons as to why a number of farmers are now transiting towards dairy farming. The company that is the leading producer of pasture seeds has moved swiftly to allay the fears from the public that they were unable to produce seeds in bulk to curb its shortage in the country and beyond in the regional market. Bett was categorical that the company has moved in to salvage the demand by focusing on huge production.
“The demand began shifting early this year and we currently have subcontracted over 2000 acres of farmer’s land and additional 600 at our fields in Kitale by increasing our production levels in a bid to meet the farmer’s need,” he said. Rhodes grass, Boma Rhodes and Elmba Rhodes are among the pasture that is highly considered in ensuring consistent high milk production all year round.
