Laikipia residents have been encouraged to take advantage of anticipated El Nino rains and plant early maturing crops to boost food production and alleviate hunger in the region.
Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture (KCSAP) Laikipia county coordinator Lincoln Njiru speaking in Rumuruti after the official flagging off of the enumerators that are set to start registering farmers in the county, said that the area rarely got sufficient rainfall and El Nino will thus be a blessing in disguise.
“In our programmes of KCSAP, we mostly sensitize farmers to plant early maturing crops since Laikipia doesn’t receive sufficient rainfall. However, as we wait for heavy rainfall, we encourage residents to plant maize, fruit trees, wheat and coffee on a large scale,” urged Njiru.
He encouraged farmers in Laikipia to rear sheep, goats, chicken and pigs since the animals could withstand drought situations.
“For those in dry areas, we encourage them to rear animals since they can withstand drought in these areas. For now, residents should keep measures on water harvesting and at the same time be cautious of heavy rainfall that can cause disasters,” said the agronomist.
Laikipia Deputy Governor Rueben Kamuri said that they targeted to enlist about 150,000 farmers in the county and profile the activities they were involved in.
“With this farmers registration, we want to know where they are, what they are doing and types of crops they plant. This will ensure all the produce we get are taken to the industrial park for value addition,” said the Deputy Governor, adding that value addition from the farmer’s produce would ensure locals benefit.
On his part, Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli urged farmers to cooperate during the registration exercise and give out genuine data.
He said that the government was keen on supporting farmers to boost their production after lowering fertilizer prices further to Sh. 2,500 from Sh. 3,500.
The administrator cautioned unscrupulous traders against repackaging government subsidized fertilizer. He noted whoever found engaging in that illegal business would be arrested.
“There could be traders who might take advantage of the subsidized fertilizer, I want to warn them that, if found, you will face the consequences. Those who think to repackage, we are monitoring to ensure the fertilizer is sold with the capped prices,” warned the administrator.
Recently Laikipia County Director for National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Ngolisha Nguyo warned residents to move to higher grounds as El nino starts to prevent disasters.
The director said that according to a report released by the Kenya Meteorological department, Laikipia West would be the worst affected by the downpour.
By Muturi Mwangi
