More than 1500 avocado seedlings have been distributed to schools and farms in wards in Nakuru East and Nakuru West sub counties by the Nakuru County Government.
Among the wards where farmers benefited include Menengai East, Barut, and Kapkures. Schools that benefited include Ngala School of the Deaf, Barut, Merisa Primary, and Mogoon Primary schools and Tumaini Secondary.
The distribution of the seedlings on Monday was led by Sub-County Agricultural Officer Ms. Virginia Gitau who stressed the importance of planting the avocado seedlings to enhance nutrition and income for the schools and farmers in the wards.
Additionally, the farmers were advised on how to take care of the seedlings and how to practice proper agricultural practices like appropriate spacing to prevent the spread of pests and diseases as the trees mature.
The initiative also serves as an educational opportunity for students to learn about agriculture and environmental conservation by planting beneficial trees such as fruits that provide both nutrition and shades at homesteads.
The popularization of avocadoes in the country has made it the most visible fruit and some farmers have ditched maize and beans for the lucrative fruit which is in high demand worldwide due to its nutritional values plus healthy oils, both for cooking and skin care.
By Veronica Bosibori
