Farmers groups in East Yimbo ward in Bondo Sub County have received water pumps and irrigation pipes worth Sh. 3 million to boost food productivity in the region.
The farm implements were issued to 19 farmer groups courtesy of Siaya county government ward development fund 2018/19 financial year.
Speaking in the ward during the distribution of the water pumps, area MCA, Francis Otiato said the implements will enable famers in the ward to cultivate at least 100 acres of land and enhance agricultural productivity.
“We have realized that Bondo Sub County is a net importer of food, everything consumed here either comes from the Rift Valley or Uganda. We need to sustain ourselves by producing enough food for our people and this can be achieved if each ward can set aside at least 100 acres of land under food production and provide farmers with necessary farm implements” Otiato said.
The MCA stated food productivity in the region was low since farmers practiced subsistence farming a practice he said must be changed if the region is to attain food sufficiency.
He disclosed that famers in his ward have already formed a Sacco through which they can source for financial support from various agencies and also market their products.
Otiato further said that through the Sacco, Kalro Seed Company has provided 1000 tomato seedlings that will be distributed to famers once their farms are ready.
The legislator also distributed carpentry and metal works machines worth Sh.700,000 from the ward development kitty to various youth groups in the ward to boost their economic livelihoods.
“For a long time people from this ward have had to purchase simple items like tables, chair, metal doors and windows in Bondo town which is far away. With equipment such as these our youth can produce the items locally and benefit from the local market,” Otiato said.
He revealed that his ultimate dream was to set up a light industry in the ward so that household goods can be produced for local consumption and for markets outside the county.
“As you can see the place where we are is a two acre plot that we bought and fenced through the ward development fund. It is intended to be converted into a youth polytechnic. Once the polytechnic is approved our focus will be productivity of household goods in bulk for bigger markets in the country,” Otiato stated.
By Brian Ondeng’
