The Elgeyo Marakwet Department of Agriculture and Co-operatives on Thursday held a sensitization meeting at the Kabanon/Kapkamak irrigation scheme in Arror Ward to promote the uptake of cash crops.
Farmers were encouraged to venture into cash crops with high economic value especially along the valley to improve livelihoods, especially for small-holder farmers.
The scheme has been doing well and recently harvested 105 tonnes of sorghum, with a potential for more.
“We shall focus on contract farming to ensure certified seed distribution and marketing,” Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Edwin Seronei said.
The department said it had secured a sustainable market for its members ready to venture into cotton and sunflower farming irrespective of the size of land accessible to them.
“Cotton seeds will be supplied along the valley soon. It shall be retailed at Ksh. 55 per kilo,” added the CECM.
CECM Cooperatives, Robert Kangogo, Chief Officer (CO) Agriculture Edwin Komen, Directors and other staff were also present.
