Nakuru County champions for the use of authentic seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals.

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County is championing the use of authentic seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals by encouraging the use of the right pesticide dosage and spraying in favourable weather conditions.

Additionally, protecting the spray service provider by using personal protective equipment and harvesting only when it is safe as directed on the pesticide label.

Farmers are encouraged that pesticides are a necessary and important weapon against pests. However, they can cause short and long-term effects on humans, livestock, and the environment.

It is, therefore, necessary for farmers to take care whenever handling or applying pesticides to prevent contamination of humans and animals

To this end, the county in collaboration with the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) has developed a guide to achieve this in a program dubbed ‘Ukulima True’ to achieve a more sustainable and profitable farming

The guide encourages the farmers to use certified and Improved seeds that have better resistance to diseases. Encouraging early detection of pests and diseases will help the farmers decide whether to spray or not.

Encourage talking to experts to gain knowledge on sustainable agriculture and use Bio traps to control pests on the farm resulting in less pesticide usage since different pests and diseases require different pesticides.

All pesticides can be dangerous if not used properly and farmers are encouraged to not apply pesticides when it’s windy or raining.

Additionally, over spraying of pesticides will cost the farmers more money and damage their health hence farmers should repair a damaged nozzle which can also lead to losses due to wastage.