Kenya Agriculture Ministry launches seed policy

The Ministry of Agriculture Wednesday launched a National seed policy which will guide the manufacturing and distribution of seeds in the country.

The move comes against the backdrop of seed shortage experienced early this year where experts blamed lack of clear national seed policy for the problem.

The Ministry also launched various drought resistant seed varieties to ensure food security.

Early this year during the planting season a massive seed shortage was witnessed in the country.

Lack of a clear national seed policy was blamed for the problem and the launch of the national seed policy is expected to streamline the production and distribution of seeds in the country and boost agricultural productivity in line with vision 2030.

The Ministry also launched various seed varieties that are drought and pest resistant in a bid to ensure maximum productivity come the next season.

However the GMO controversy came up with agriculture Assistant Minister Gideon Ndambuki calling for its adoption.

Meanwhile a Chinese company is planning to establish a seed manufacturing factory and partner with Kenya in ensuring seed availability.