Residents of Eastern Kenya have been cautioned against eating seeds being currently donated by county governments.
Speaking at Kasuitu location of Mavoko Sub County, the region's Deputy Agriculture Officer Hoseah Swanya warned the residents that the donor seeds were treated with chemicals harmful for human consumption.
"Some of you wash and boil the seeds or take to posho mills for grinding to prepare Ugali instead of sowing as required. They are poisonous and dangerous for your health," said Swanya.
Swanya attributed this to high prevalence of poverty and inadequate rains in the region that has rendered the province semi - arid.
He said his office had started a capacity building program targeting farmers on safe use of pesticides and agro-chemicals to avert the practice.
The Machakos County Government has donated maize and legume seeds to its residence farmers in support of dry land farming in a bid of ensuring food security and increased farm revenues in the region.
Swanya disclosed that the county relies on food and farm produce from other counties across the nation especially Kisii and Kiambu.