The County Government of Uasin Gishu is set to distribute 383,333 coffee seedlings to farmers across the county to promote crop diversification.
The program aimed at promoting High value crops as an alternative to the traditional maize, wheat and others in order to boost farmers’ income through foreign exchange.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot indicated that the county government has elaborated plans to involve youth in the future in coming up with certified nurseries to achieve the target acreage of 3000 in a period of five years.
The program will be launched across all the six sub counties by the governor.
Additionally, the county will also distribute 17,500 Avocado seedlings to farmers across the County and 50,000 clones in high altitude wards like Tarakwa for multiplication. The program will also include other activities of enhancing livestock production.
“As a way of empowering the youth economically and enhancing sustainability, we will be supporting them and other local players to produce seedlings required through cooperative societies,” said Eng. Barorot.
The national government’s target for the production of coffee within three years is 150,000 metric tonnes while the County government of Uasin Gishu targets to produce 31,500 metric tonnes of coffee.
“This financial year, we have an elaborate program to promote cash crop farming, and our lead crop for this year is going to be coffee,” he added.
County Executive for Agriculture Edward Sawe said the county aims to increase the acreage under coffee cultivation by over 600 acres, building upon the existing 1,452 acres already established.
He underscored the comprehensive support provided to farmers, including training in agronomy practices from the growing stage to harvest.
“We have put in place elaborate programs to prepare the farmers right from the ground level,” he explained.
In his remarks, Chief Officer for Agriculture Elphas Kesio emphasized the importance of the integration of modern technology through the Agricultural Management Information System (AIMS), which promises to empower farmers with crucial data and innovative techniques. He said they are keen at creating awareness to farmers across all wards.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
