CORO FM roadshow raises awareness on counterfeit agro-inputs

CORO FM team has been pitching camp in Mount Kenya region since Friday in order to create awareness on counterfeit fertilizers, pesticides and seedlings in the country.

The exercise which ended Saturday involved public education through interactive open forums.

Frida Kaberia the acting CEO of Anti – Counterfeit Authority called on Kenyans to take note of the counterfeit agro-inputs as they are a threat to health and safety.

“The government plan on food security is one of the elements of the big four agenda, hence to succeed in the sustainable farming exercise, then we must all stop the trading of counterfeit goods.” She added.

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is a government organization established as an agency, by the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008, to prohibit Counterfeiting through promotion and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Coro FM’s partnership with ACA is a successful manifestation because a large number of audiences had  the chance to learn, be alert, avoid and distinguish between fake and genuine agricultural derivatives (seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers) when practicing farming.

Coro FM and ACA toured Kenol, Sabasaba, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Kagio, Kutus, Samson Corner, Kagumo, Kerugoya, Karatina, Gatitu, Nyeri, Chaka, Narumoru, Endarasha, and Muiga towns.

Coro FM has a vast audience in the Mount Kenya region and many listeners came to see their favourite presenters and take part in the awareness campaign.

Gilbert Bett said that Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service – KEPHIS has a smart seed label on the package bag carrying seedlings for farming. Scratch the cover and send the numbers to 1393 via SMS. You will receive feedback clarifying if the seed is certified or fake.

Great Musicians from the great Mount Kenya also participated in the roadshow.

Murang’a Coro’s reporter Githuki wa Nyokabi, Phylis Mbuthia, including Coro’s Joy wa Macharia entertained audiences with good music; Mugithi and gospel.

Farmers, we’re reminded that some herbicides and pesticides are counterfeit.

“If you visit any agro vet shop ensure that the products you purchase have a color band at the bottom written PCPB with a registered number.” Severino Manene from Pest Control Product Board assured.

All manufacturers are encouraged to protect their brands by registering IP rights with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), reporting any cases of infringement of intellectual property (IP) rights to ACA, and cooperating with ACA in investigation and prosecution if matters rated to your IP infringement.