Kenya Breweries limited has initiated a programme aimed at promoting traditional sorghum varieties that produce high quality malt, the company’s field officer in charge of Siaya county, Victor Onyango has said.
According to Onyango, farmers with adequate land, preferably five acres and above are encouraged to partner with the company in its seed bulking programme targeting traditional seeds.
He was speaking at Ujimbe primary school grounds in Gem Yala sub county during the distribution of seeds to local village elders as part of the programme aimed at promoting sorghum production in the area.
“Our aim is to promote production of traditional seeds which are used to produce high quality malt” he said adding that the program will benefit farmers who will access quality seeds at cheap prices.
The patron of the area sorghum farmers, Engineer Sam Opot hailed the initiative and called local farmers to leverage KBL’s initiative to increase production and improve their socio economic wellbeing.
Eng. Opot said the re- introduction of the crop in the area through support from the beer manufacturing company saw local farmers earn Ksh. 3 million last season.
“We started with 60 farmers who produced 76 tons. The harvest was bought by Kenya breweries that paid sh. 3 million” he said.
Opot said that the number of farmers has now increased to 1,000, scattered across Asayi, Sirembe and Got Regea sub locations.
He urged local farmers to take advantage of the ready market to venture into sorghum farming.
Asayi sub location assistant chief, George Onyango Okoko led the local residents in appreciating the re-introduction of the crop in the area, saying that it has helped ensure food security in the area.
He observed that since the sorghum farming project was introduced in the sub location a year ago, security has greatly improved as the locals now have money in their pockets
The farmers led by Agnes Achieng’ and John Owino equally hailed the Kenya Breweries Limited and their patron Eng. Sam Opot for the support, saying that sorghum production has greatly impacted their lives.
By Philip Onyango
