Organisers of the 56th edition of the Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show will use the annual fair to train participants about climate resilience, Central Kenya ASK Show Chairman, Patrick Munuhe has said.
Munuhe has said that there was a need to urgently equip farmers with up-to-date climate adaptation and mitigation techniques as a way of ensuring that the country remains food secure even in the face of climate change.
“We are urging farmers to show up in their numbers and take advantage of the platform to interact with experts. The show has attracted experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, the County Department of Agriculture, and the field of agriculture who will advise them on the right chemicals, the right seeds, and the right techniques to apply to help tackle climate change that has affected our country in the previous years,” he stated.
Speaking after inspecting the Kabiru-ini show grounds in Nyeri on Friday, Munuhe, also expressed optimism that the society will realise this year’s theme of Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.
The chairman attributed last year’s performance to erratic weather patterns that affected production in the exhibition plots but added the challenges had acted as an eye-opener for the ASK to adopt new agriculture techniques.
“Last year, we were not able to realise our theme due to the negative effects of climate change. However, this year, after assessing the grounds, I am confident that we will be able to achieve our theme. Our exhibition plots look promising and will provide a good opportunity for showgoers to learn new climate adaptation technologies from our experts who have been putting them to use at these plots,” said Munuhe.
The four-day event is slated to take place in the second week of September. According to a programme released by the ASK, the Central Kenya show will start on September 10, when judges in the different categories will evaluate the exhibitors. The fair will open its doors to members of the public on September 11, while on September 12, the Kabiru-ini grounds will host farmers and farmer groups.
Even though the chairman could not confirm official guests who will grace this year’s fair, the programme has set September 13 as the official opening date. The show will close on September 14, which the ASK has termed as the Family Day.
Over 110 exhibitors, among them financial institutions, institutions of higher learning, and health and hospitality institutions, took part in last year’s show.
There were also exhibitors from the agriculture, livestock, fisheries, trade, and manufacturing sectors, as well as community-based organisations, youth enterprises, and women-based groups.
This year, the organisers say they are expecting more than 170 exhibitors to participate.
Munuhe has at the same time assured the showgoers of their safety, adding that adequate security measures have already been put in place in and around the show grounds.
“Security arrangements have already been taken care of. We have held a series of preparation meetings with the county security team, and we want to assure everyone planning to attend of their safety,” said Munuhe.
By Wangari Mwangi and Waithera Mumbi
