Farmers should adopt integrated weed management practices to improve crop yields and reduce pesticides' use to safeguard human health and the environment.
Speaking during a field training organized by the Agricultural Association of Kenya (AAK) in partnership with the Nakuru County and Sub-County Agricultural Department that was attended by over 100 farmers in Turi ward, Nakuru County Crop Protection Officer Hanna Oduor underscored the harmful effects of unchecked pesticide use. "Over-reliance on pesticides is dangerous not only to the crops but also to human health and the environment," she said adding that there was need to adopt safer, sustainable methods like crop rotation, timely weeding, and proper herbicide application to preserve the land for future generations.
Ms Oduor emphasized that poor weed control can reduce crop yields by up to 60 percent, a figure supported by agricultural studies across Kenya. "Weeds compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
If not properly managed, they take over the fields and drastically lower productivity," she added.
