Seed Co has warned farmers against buying fake seed, which results in below average yields.
Fake maize seeds are mostly sold on the streets and by uncertified dealers. This was said by Seed Co southern region manager, Charles Munyoro. He said:
There has been a high influx of fake seeds in the market, which is being sold by some unscrupulous individuals.
These fake seeds usually result in low yields most of the time. Most fake seeds have a poor germination rate and by buying such seeds, farmers risk making losses.
As farmers prepare for the winter farming season, we urge them to desist from buying seeds from unregistered and uncertified dealers. There are a lot of registered seed processors in the country and farmers are encouraged to make use of them.
Seed Co has been promoting higher maize yields by farmers through its Eleven Tonne Plus Club Promotion.
In 2018 over 50 farmers from the Southern region entered the promotion and all the farmers achieved between 11 and 22 tonnes of maize per hectare.