Farmers have been advised to take advantage of the zero-rated agricultural machines and set up cottage industries in order to maximize their earnings.
County Executive for Agriculture Dr. Immaculate Maina said cottage industries play a significant role in the economies of developing countries thus advising farmers to desist from the current practice where they only produce raw materials by embracing cottage industries.
Besides, she added, the industries were an important source of employment, especially in rural areas.
Maina commended dairy farmers in the county who are no longer selling their milk without value addition by making yoghurt and cheese hence creating jobs in their neighborhoods.
The county executive made the remarks at Soilo Tuesday during value addition training for farmers.
“Cottage industries also known as household-based industries played an important role in the industrialization of China and India, which are now major importers of goods and foodstuffs to various countries of the world,” she stressed.
She for instance challenged farmers who are grumbling and protesting low maize prices to consider milling and packaging flour to earn maximum profits.
Maina said the main undoing of local farmers was their one-minded approach towards farming and yet it is the profession of the moment for those who learn fast on how to maximize and add value to all their products.
By Veronica Bosibori
