In a concerted effort to enhance agricultural productivity, Nakuru County Executive Member (CEC) for Agriculture, Leonard Bor, alongside Chief Officer for Cooperatives, Kibet Kurgat, participated in a crucial sensitisation meeting with members of the Nakuru Potatoes Union.
The event was organised in collaboration with ‘Kenya Land Alliance’ and ‘We Effect’ to empower local farmers through improved farming technologies and strengthened land rights.
Bor expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts between stakeholders, emphasising the importance of empowering farmers with the latest agricultural innovations and legal land ownership.
He highlighted that land is not only the primary factor of production, but also serves as a critical asset for securing financial support and credit facilities.
The CEC observed that the involvement of organisations such as the Kenya Land Alliance is pivotal in ensuring farmers gain proper access to land through surveys, demarcation, and legal channels, offering security and stability for farming communities.
Speaking at the Nakuru Agricultural Training College, Soilo, Bor stressed the commitment of Governor Susan Kihika’s administration to advancing the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), across Nakuru County.
He encouraged farmers to make full use of modern mechanisation technologies in potato farming. In a show of support, the County Administration provided four state-of-the-art tractors to the Nakuru Potatoes Union, enhancing the capacity for mechanised farming and boosting potato production in the region.
CO Kurgat reinforced Governor Kihika’s dedication to promoting the growth of the cooperative movement in Nakuru County.
He urged farmers to apply for the county’s Empowerment Revolving Fund to expand their agribusiness ventures.
Kurgat noted that cooperatives are essential in ensuring farmers have access to resources and financial support that can help them scale-up their activities and increase productivity.
He said the partnership by the Nakuru County, the Kenya Land Alliance, and ‘We Effect’, signals a strong future for farmers in the region, promising not only increased production, but also improved livelihoods through secure land ownership and enhanced agricultural practices.
Kurgat emphasized that with the initiatives, Nakuru County is positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s agricultural development, particularly in potato farming, which is a vital crop after maize for both local consumption and export.
Bor noted that as Nakuru County continues to lead in agricultural innovation, the collaboration between the government, cooperatives, and development organisations offers a promising future for farmers, ensuring sustainable growth and economic empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Commending the farmers, Bor noted that last year, Nakuru County farmers earned an impressive sum from Irish potato farming.
The County, a major producer of the crop, saw farmers generate close to Sh 14 billion from potato farming.
He attributed the success to mechanised farming, improved seed varieties, and efficient market access through digital platforms that have facilitated commercialisation and increased yields.
“On average, improved farming techniques have boosted potato production in Nakuru to six tonnes per acre, significantly enhancing farmers’ earnings,’’ he added.
The County Executive for Agriculture stated that the growth is supported by initiatives that include the provision of tractors and other modern agricultural tools by the County government, as well as partnerships with organisations such as ‘We Effect’ and the Kenya Land Alliance, helping farmers adopt better practices and access markets efficiently.
CEC added that such efforts are key to ensuring farmers in Nakuru continue to increase both productivity and revenue from potato farming.
He observed that this year, Nakuru farmers are projected to earn significantly more from Irish potatoes due to improved farming practices, sustainable innovations, and collaborative initiatives in the region.
The introduction of modern mechanisation, alongside biological solutions such as Nemix-C to combat pests, is expected to boost yields further in 2024, leading to even higher revenue projections.
The officer emphasized that with the County government’s focus on advancing agricultural practices through partnerships with organisations such as KEPHIS, CARE Kenya, and KALRO, there is optimism that these farmers could surpass their earnings from last year.
In addition, access to empowerment funds and the supply of state-of-the-art farming equipment will play a crucial role in expanding the economic potential of Nakuru’s potato farming sector.
By Veronica Bosibori
