The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has criticized the ongoing marketing and distribution of bogus seed products that cause farmers to buy phony seeds and experience meager or no yields.

According to Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, director of crops at KALRO, fake seeds are the leading cause of farmers' low crop output and bad harvests, which raises the cost of life because more food must be imported.

Wasike announced plans to create 16 additional Mkulima stores nationwide. They opened one in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, to give farmers more opportunities to purchase the company's accredited and high-quality seeds.


Wasike claimed that counterfeiters have also acquired their new bean variety, "Nyota," and are using the letters "KALRO" and "Nyota" to fool farmers into unintentionally purchasing the fakes.

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With the idea that the fake seeds come from the organization, she claimed that the counterfeits also cast scientists and researchers in a negative light. She added that they plan to open the mkulima shop in each of their 54 locations nationwide.