Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Chelilim, has called on farmers in the county to embrace climate-smart agricultural technologies in order to increase productivity to address food security in the country.
The governor was speaking during the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) National Show, Eldoret showgrounds, Uasin Gishu county.
He noted that this year’s theme of Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth, underlines the crucial role of climate-smart practices as major drivers in enhancing food and nutritional security, fostering agricultural growth, and bolstering trade.
“As a country, we continue to witness the impact of climate change best explained through erratic weather patterns making it impossible for our hardworking farmers to make a solid decision on when to plough and when to plant,” he said.
“That is why it is imperative for all of us to adopt practices that are sustainable and resilient in the face of environmental challenges,” added Dr Chelilim.
He commended the national government for the steps laid and initiatives rolled out in ensuring that farmers are cushioned amidst the adversities of climate change, like provision of fertilizers at subsidised and timely moments making it possible for proper planning in the adoption of climate smart agriculture.
He affirmed his administration’s continuous efforts to combat climate change, like the established soil testing laboratory at the Agricultural Mechanisation Services (AMS), climate-smart farm machinery, including chisel ploughs, pneumatic planters, potato planters and harvesters among others.
“As the planting season approaches, I urge farmers to embrace best practices and take advantage of the services provided by the department through AMS,” alluded the governor.
He hinted that the county is keen on enhancing productivity by focusing on high value crops like coffee, and avocado where it is actively involved in establishing fruit tree seedlings at Chebororwa Agricultural Training Centre (ATC). So far, they have distributed 83,333 coffee seedlings and 29,000 avocado seedlings.
“As farmers prepare their fields for the upcoming season, I call upon the national government to ensure the timely and sufficient supply of subsidised fertiliser, currently priced at Sh 2500. Early preparation and the availability of inputs are essential for farmers keen on doubling their production compared to last year,” he noted.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
