Nairobi, Kenya
September 8, 2008
Source:
The Standard via
Checkbiotech
The Government of Kenya will refund Sh124 million to people who
illegally acquired Kenya Seed
Company, Agriculture Minister William Ruto has said.
"The Government has finalised the repossession process and those
who bought shares from the company will get their money," said
Ruto.
The minister said the company had set aside Sh215 million to
help farmers access hybrid seed. He challenged the company to
embrace research to realise quality seeds to compete in the
international market.
The minister praised the firm’s success in producing certified
seed that enabled farmers to produce good yields.
He said the company produces 78 per cent of seed for local and
international producers and pledged the Government’s commitment
in supporting its operations. The minister also said the
Agricultural Development Cooperation would use 15,000 acres for
production of maize seed. He said prices would be reduced to
boost maize production.
Kenya Seed Managing Director Hosea Sitienei said the company had
released 60 seed varieties in the market for different soils and
altitudes.
The announcement follows complaints from the Kenya National
Federation Agricultural Producers official led by Tom Nyagechaga
over the high cost of seeds. Meanwhile, Ruto has urged farmers
to grow genetically modified crops to maximise production. The
minister accused pesticide and chemical manufacturing companies
for funding anti-GMO campaign.
"They have developed fear they will lose business because GMOs
are disease and pest resistant," he said.
He told farmers GMOs were the best if they had to increase
yields and improve livelihood.
"To eliminate hunger and poverty, we must introduce GMOs," said
Ruto.
The Standard is a publication of the Standard Group.
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