Nandi village hit by maize disease

Residents of Olesos in Nandi County have expressed concerns following a fresh outbreak of maize disease in the area, destroying hundreds of acres of the crop.

The farmers argue that the disease remains a major challenge despite them purchasing their seeds from authorized dealers including the Kenya Seed Company.

According to Stephen Kurgat, one of the affected farmers, the country may suffer an acute maize shortage owing to the effects of the disease.

Kurgat, who says that he opted to plant early March in order to maximize on the yields, notes that the plant’s tassel turned black, something he says is unusual.

“I thought the disease would not be serious as it affected the maize silk but I was shocked when it started spreading across my three-care piece of maize plantation,” he noted.

Some farmers have been forced to cut down the maize plant so as to avoid the spread of the disease.

The residents now wants the County’s department of agriculture to move with speed and help address the situation that is getting out of hand.

Nandi lies in Kenya’s maize production North Rift belt which contributes over 50% of the total maize consumed in the country.

Written by Treeza Awuor