Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has embarked on an empowerment programme for farmers by issuing cheques worth 138,180,837 to facilitate the procurement of farm inputs to promote production.
She expressed optimism that the noble gesture would spur higher yields and ensure the needed food security among groups and individual farmers by boosting productivity and creating wealth in the county.
The Governor was speaking during the launch of the #chakula mezani pesa mfukoni programme at the International Convention Centre in Machakos, which brought together stakeholders in the agricultural sector and other development partners.
“As I promised, my government will progressively continue to support our farmers as per my pre-election manifesto as we focus on making Machakos stable and food secure,” said Wavinya.
She implored the residents to exploit the available opportunities in crop production, fish farming, and dairy production to increase production through the established channels, including the extension services.
Wavinya pointed out that in Machakos, agriculture contributes to 70 per cent of household incomes, which is a key sector in the county since it helps in achieving food and nutrition security, alleviating poverty, and creating wealth for the residents.
She added that some interventions were initiated to enhance agricultural productivity, such as the issuance of free crop seeds, seedlings, pesticides, fertilizer free chick incubators, pond liners, and free tractor service, among others.
The governor urged all farmers to be on the frontlines in planting fruit trees so as to mitigate the risk posed by climate change, which is a major threat to agricultural production.
She said that this being a recovery period, her government is committed to building resilience among the farming communities and ensuring that farmers recover from the effects of drought.
“I urge farmers to take care of their crops and livestock so that we can lower the high cost of living in the county,” said Wavinya.
Wavinya added that her government was working closely with the national government to ensure subsidized fertilizer was available at the National Cereals and Produce Board for ease of access.
She announced plans to transform the Machakos Agricultural Training center into a modern facility for field research, seed propagation, training, and demonstrations.
“The revamped ATC center will use modern technologies for the multiplication of fish, improved livestock breeds, and crop varieties,” said the governor.
Wavinya noted that to actualize her #chakula mezani pesamfukoni programme, the county partnered with different development partners such as the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and the African Development Bank.
Other guests and partners present were Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Bishop Dr. Joel Nzomo from the agriculture department, food security and cooperatives, members of the county assembly, and the CECs, among others.
By Anne Kangero
