Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Simon Chelugui has set a target of 5 million coffee bushes for Baringo County to boost bean production.
Chelugui spoke when he presided over Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF) sensitization programme at Kabarnet National Museums grounds, where he stated that the national government will partner with the county government and Coffee Research Institute to make the drive, which is equivalent to 4,000 acres, a success.
He said that the initiative will make Baringo move from where it is at the moment towards becoming one of the best coffee-growing zones in Kenya.
“We have agreed with Governor Benjamin Cheboi for farmers to dig 5 million holes and for those that have completed them to make a request for seedlings, which shall be provided up to their doorstep,” he said.
The CS, who was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi, New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union board chairperson Daniel Chemno and County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa, amongst other local leaders, said the region, whose five subcounties have enormous potential in coffee farming was capable of uplifting residents out of poverty.
The CS, at the same time, announced that Baringo has been selected alongside Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega Vihiga and Busia to benefit from Sh640 million in eco-pumping machines that are geared towards improving coffee production.
“This coming financial year, the government will buy 90 pulpers for the selected counties and I am urging the Baringo County government and chairpersons of cooperative societies to identify the places where the machines will be fixed so that they can support smallholder farmers,” he said.
In his remarks, Cheboi reiterated the need for farmers to be supported in increasing coffee productivity in the county, which currently stands at 4.5 million bushes.
He stated that coffee farming is a lucrative venture that can yield an income to the tune of over Sh1 million for two acres cultivated.
“I am urging our farmers to engage in best agricultural practices, which will boost the production of coffee so that we can harvest 50 kilograms per bush and in turn earn good money,” the governor said.
Cheboi also encouraged youth and women to step up as coffee farmers and break the community stereotype in order to take the sector to greater heights.
Kilemi, while calling upon farmers from the region to apply for the advance funds said the department is in the process of cleaning up the management of coffee cooperative societies countrywide.
The PS stated that they are taking drastic steps in order to cushion farmers from officials who do not deliver value to the members.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
