Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Kipronoh Ronoh, has said the government will collaborate with universities, innovators, and the private sector to enhance food and nutrition security by utilising research and technologies.
Speaking on Friday at the Agribusiness Trade Fair held at the University of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Dr. Ronoh said the government is committed to supporting farmers in addressing climate change, adopting smart agriculture technologies, best post-harvest management, and promoting value addition.
The PS pointed out that the theme of the trade fair, “Promoting Climate-Smart Agri-preneurship and Value Addition to Spur Industrialisation for Sustainable Development,” aligns with the government’s efforts in prioritising innovation in agriculture.
“The Ministry of Agriculture will partner with universities, innovators, and the private sector through the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to scale up technologies and innovations that support farmers in tackling climate change, modern food production, soil conservation, and the use of superior seeds and seedlings for sustainable food and nutrition security,” said Dr. Ronoh.
He added that the Ministry plans to leverage innovation and technologies on the upcoming Mama Kitchen Garden initiative that is set to be launched soon to benefit 24,000 villages across Kenya.
“Small-scale farmers will be provided with water supply, farm inputs, training, and capacity-building support to boost agricultural production and ensure more efficient use of available land through the support of the government in partnership with Private Sector, Banks, Insuarance, institutions,” said Dr. Ronoh.
Dr. Ronoh noted that the new model will help the country optimise the efficient use of limited land for farming areas, which are increasingly affected by population growth.
At the same time, Dr. Ronoh disclosed that the government will start distributing subsidised fertilisers to farmers from November through NCPB, Agrovets, Farmers Cooperative Unions, and Saccos.
Farmers will also access quality-certified seeds, seedlings, and pesticides.
By Ronald Cheruiyot
