KFS calls on farmers to be warry of tree seedlings they plant

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has called on farmers and all stakeholders to be seeking for advise on the types of trees to plant in their farms.

During this year World Environment Day celebrations at Olkalou Arboretum ground Nyandarua County, Nyandarua Forest Conservator Daniel Mkung asked farmers to be visiting nearby KFS offices for guidance on how and types of trees to plant in their farms.

Mkung urged farmers to ensure they follow the laid down regulations of cutting down trees that would lead to desertification due to deforestation.

The Conservator however noted KFS in Nyandarua has stepped up a tree planting exercise to attain county target of 17.1 Million trees every year.

He noted the county is far below the target for they managed about 5 million trees every year adding that in ten years’ time they are expected to have attained 171 million trees.

He noted the 5 million figure of planted trees is what they have in their record noting that this does not count for trees which are planted by farmers and other players.

On tree harvesting in the county Mkung noted his office has a tree harvesting and planting plan they use for the exercise.

He said through the plan they are able to harvest trees while ensuring more are planted.

The Conservator however noted they only harvest exotic trees adding that KFS does not cut down indigenous trees and does not encourage farmers to cut them neither.

On preparedness on the forecasted El nino season, Mkung encouraged all stakeholders ensure they plant trees to maximize utilisation of the rains.

By Kimani Tirus