Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has hailed the working relationship between the National and County governments to enhance food security and nutrition, noting it is bearing fruits.
CS Linturi made the observation at Kenya Seed Company Kitale offices in Trans Nzoia where he joined farmers during the institution’s Annual Research Field Day on Wednesday.
The CS was accompanied by Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Ms. Purity Ngirici in this this year’s event themed, “promoting affordable climate resilient seeds for food security and nutrition.”
According to Linturi, the mutual working relationship between the two levels of government had witnessed what he termed as commendable development within the agriculture sector.
“I have traversed most parts of the country, especially grain-growing regions, and I can therefore confidently inform members of public that this year the country will record bumper harvests,” remarked Linturi.
The CS alluded to the closer cooperation between the National Government and Trans Nzoia County, which he said had occasioned positive changes in agriculture and livestock sectors.
“Even though agriculture, which is the main driver of our economy is a devolved function, I want to assure Kenyans the national government will continue supporting it,” reiterated Linturi.
He cited the National Government Fertilizer Subsidy Programme as one of the several interventions by the government aimed at supporting agricultural activities in all the devolved units.
“I am happy to note Governor George Natembeya lived up to his promise by recruiting 50 Field Extension Officers whose role in building capacity for farmers on modern farming methods has immensely contributed to expected maize bumper harvest in this County,” noted Linturi.
The CS urged area farmers to continue registering for the fertilizer subsidy, whose price has been further reduced from Sh 3500 to Sh 2500 per 50kg bag.
“Registering for Fertilizer Subsidy Programme is a continuous process,” stated Linturi, as he urged farmers yet to enroll to do so.
By Maurice Aluda
