Trans Nzoia County Government is implementing a diversification programme in crop and livestock production for livelihood improvement of residents to mitigate against risks associated with over dependence on one enterprise.
Speaking during a field day at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) station in Kitale, Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkori said under the programme, tissue culture bananas, coffee, tea, macadamia, French beans, snow peas, Irish potatoes, field potatoes, dairy, fish farming, improved local poultry as well as exotic poultry will be promoted.
The Deputy Governor promised farmers that her administration would over the next five years allocate substantial budgetary resources to cater for the need of the agricultural sector.
“As part of my administration’s agenda to ensure transformation, we endeavour to increase agricultural productivity, promote value addition and promote agro-processing industries,” promised Mrs. Kapkori.
She added that the administration’s plan is to take bold measures in ensuring that Trans Nzoia farmers produce enough food and surplus agricultural produce for the market at an affordable cost.
According to the Deputy Governor, the county government has already put measures in place to improve access to fertilizer and seed to farmers at a subsidized cost.
She urged all farmers and business community to take advantage of the occasion to create networks and linkages for business expansion.
Trans Nzoia CEC Agriculture Mary Nzomo pointed out that the KEPHIS field day gives farmers a suitable opportunity to learn modern farming technologies, improve farming practices for increased agricultural productivity, wealth and employment creation.
Mrs. Nzomo noted that her department would work closely with relevant stakeholders to provide interventions towards the management of pests and also access and affordability of artificial insemination service.
The theme of the field day was ‘Enhancing Diversification of Agricultural Technologies for Nutrition and Food Security’.
By Valerie Kosuri
