Farmers in Narok North Sub County are a happy lot after receiving over 14, 000 kilograms of free sunflower seeds from the National government, that is expected to substitute the type of crops planted in the county.
While launching the distribution of the seedlings at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said the objective of the initiative is to reduce the current cost of importation of edible oils as the National government uses about Sh. 117 billion annually to import edible oil.
“For many years, we have been importing edible oil from outside the country. Our soils are also fertile where sunflowers can do well. We can revert the trend of importing edible oil by embracing sunflower farming,” he said.
Ntutu said over 70 per cent of the residents are farmers and called on them to embrace the farming practice as it brings multiple benefits.
“After harvesting the oil, we are left with sunflower feed cake, which has high protein content and is good for livestock consumption,” he said.
So far, about 2, 000 farmers in the county have registered to receive the seeds that will be planted in over 4, 000 acres.
The governor underscored the need for agriculture extension officers to move around the county sensitizing the farmers on how to farm the crop in the pilot stage.
“We are at the onset of short rains and we call on farmers to take advantage of the free seedlings to plant in their individual farms,” he said.
According to Narok County Director of Agriculture Mr. Bernard Kimento, sunflower seeds do well in areas where maize does well.
He reiterated that the pilot stage begins with Cis-Mara region where maize does well and is grown in large plantations.
The farmers expressed gratitude for the free seeds and thanked the National government for providing them with cheap fertilizer to enhance their produce.
Narok Wheat Farmers Association Treasurer Nicholas Njoroge asked the county government to help control quelea birds that have been a threat to farmers in the county.
He also asked the county government to hold more sensitization meetings to sensitize the farmers on the new crop farming practice.
“We want to know more about this sunflower crop before we start planting it. How will it be planted, harvested and taken to the market?” he asked.
Another farmer Ole Teeka lauded the government for the free seeds and called on farmers to embrace sunflower as an alternative crop that can do well in the area.
Also in attendance were Narok County Commissioner Kipkoech Lotiatia and Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech
By Ann Salaton
