The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), is leveraging technology to enable farmers access to the latest research technologies from the Organisation.
Dr Felister Makini, the KALRO Deputy Director-General In-Charge of crops, says the primary goal is to ensure that the seeds and other agricultural technologies in the livestock sector developed by KALRO, are easily accessible to farmers.
Dr Makini, who spoke while launching the 13th KALRO Seeds Mkulima Shop cum Expo, at the Kakamega Non-ruminant Research Institute, said these digital platforms offer a wide array of services for farmers to make informed decisions, aimed at improving production and productivity.
The Deputy Director noted that KALRO shop is a One-Stop-Shop, where farmers will be able to purchase varieties of certified KALRO seeds and also get to learn good agricultural practices.
She pointed out that KALRO has the mandate to contribute to the growth of agricultural sector, through research coordination, regulation, and technology and innovation development and catalyze transfer and utilisation of agricultural research outputs.
The Researcher said the move is aimed at advancing food security being the Government’s Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA) of increasing exports and reducing imports.
She said through the use of Apps and mobile phones platforms, farmers are able to get agronomic advisories in-order to improve productivity.
“We also have toll free call centre, where our registered farmers get information as well as SMS alerts, the website and the App goggle, where they can get information about the type of farming activity, that they want to engage in,” she said.
Dr Makini advised that if a farmer is interested in starting poultry farming, there is a whole document on the website, providing guidance on how to do housing, health care among other good practices.
“As part of the last mile initiative, we ensure farmers get the latest technologies, so that they can move away from the traditional way of practicing agriculture, to ensure food security as part of the Government’s agenda of enhancing food security,” she added.
Kakamega County Commissioner (CC), Meru Mwangi, underscored the importance of 4K clubs in schools, saying the initiative is important in creating awareness and inculcating a positive mindset towards agriculture, among school-going children and transition with the needed skills to be agri-business.
He said, the 4 K, standing for “Kuungana, Kufanya, Kusaidia Kenya” in Kiswahili, loosely translating to coming together, to act, to help Kenya, is key in transforming young minds.
He said farmers need to have priority access to markets of their farm produce in order to make farming attractive.
Kakamega County Executive Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Benjamin Andama, hailed the opening of the Mkulima Shop, which will also serve as a centre to transfer research information to farmers.
“Research and technology doesn’t reach the common people, but this initiative should help to improve,” he added.
By George Kaiga
