Agricultural scientists and other stakeholders in the sector have raised concern over degradation of soil through use of harmful farm inputs, resulting to serious health implications.
The players are are now asking the government to come up with policies that protect the soil from use of harmful sprays and fertilizers and put more emphasis on bio products.
Besides depleting soil nutrients and killing useful micro-organisms, they said, some farm inputs also contribute to growing health risks and spread of killer diseases like cancer.
Speaking during the World Soil Day celebrations at Resources Oriented Development Initiatives (RODI-Kenya) center in Ruiru, experts warned of a gloomy future if measures are not taken to arrest the situation.
RODI-Kenya Executive Director Eliud Ngunjiri and Kenya Agricultural, Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO) director Monicah Waiganjo said for soil to supports life it has to be ‘living’ hence the need to preserve its bio diversity.
They recommended a reduction in use of conventional synthetic fertilizer, herbicides and sprays that inject dangerous chemicals in the soil and water and a shift to organic farming.
Ngunjiri said unfortunately Agriculture which is the backbone of the country’s economy has largely been ignored in terms of budgetary allocations.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Regional Schools and Permaculture Program (ReSCOPE) official Karen Nekesa who stressed the need to introduce agriculture as a compulsory subject in all learning institutions.
Pauline Mundia of Biovision Africa Trust said consumers are becoming more aware of the harm caused by agricultural inputs and insist on organic products.
A farmer from Mataara in Gatundu North Rose Kahenia said growers are adopting use of bio fertilizers for food products.