Farmers in Bungoma County have been encouraged to adopt high-quality agricultural inputs to improve food production, increase household incomes, and tackle hunger amid rising climate challenges.
According to agricultural experts in the region, embracing improved seeds and fertilizers will lead to better harvests, which in turn will allow families to educate their children, create employment opportunities for graduates, and empower the youth to take farming as a viable and sustainable venture.
“I expect to harvest big after planting this type of seed compared to previous seeds. This one is drought resistant,” said Ferdinand Wangila, a farmer from Kanduyi Constituency. “It gives me confidence that even if the rains delay, I’ll still have something to take home.”
To support such resilience, Seed Co and Yara East Africa have launched a new drought-tolerant maize variety—SC Punda Milia 555—bred specifically to withstand dry spells and deliver stable yields despite unpredictable weather patterns.
The seed was unveiled during a field demonstration in Bungoma County, where local farmers observed its performance and welcomed the move with optimism. Many expressed hope that the new variety would ease the burden of crop failure linked to erratic rainfall.
Geoffrey Ikigu, an agronomist from Yara East Africa, stressed the importance of using quality inputs. “Farmers should not gamble with inputs. SC Punda Milia 555, combined with proper nutrition, will guarantee better yields even under tough conditions,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Antony Bakari from Seed Co, who noted that the seed offers timely relief for farmers dealing with falling productivity. “This seed comes at a time when farmers are struggling with low yields due to erratic rainfall. It offers a practical solution to food insecurity.”
The initiative supports national efforts to boost food security and promote climate-smart agriculture.
