Famers in west Uyoma ward in Rarieda Sub County have received donations of water pumps worth Sh. 1 million courtesy of the area ward development fund.
Speaking during the distribution of the water pumps to 10 farmer groups, area MCA Onyango Olasi, said the initiative is aimed at boosting food productivity in the region.
Olasi disclosed that the 10 groups each received a water pump and a 50-metre horse pipe that will enable them enhance their agricultural activities along the seven beaches in West Uyoma ward.
“We have seven beaches here where famers practice agriculture but the production has been low because it was expensive to hire pumps. With the water pumps available, food production in the region is expected to go up,” Olasi stated.
The MCA said that he had received applications for water pumps from 15 groups but due to budget limitation, only 10 groups benefited with the remaining expected to receive their pumps in the 2021/2022 financial year.
Isaac Ogeta, a farmer at Likungu beach, advised colleagues who received the water pumps to take advantage of the machines and diversify crop production instead of relying on production of tomatoes only.
Ogeta said that currently the market is flooded with tomatoes from the neigbouring counties and it would be prudent if the farmers venture into the production of other crops like onions and carrots which have high market demand.
Omondi Ogutu, who is both a teacher and the chairman of Kamariga farmers association on his part called on the youth to embrace agriculture as a form of employment. He said that as a teacher, he earns more from agriculture and believes that the youth would not be idle or wallow in poverty if they ventured in agribusiness.
Ogutu said that agriculture is the backbone of any society and the youth have the energy to play the important role of food production in the community.
by Brian Ondeng
