Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Simon Chelugui has affirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting agricultural diversification and enhancing economic prosperity by cultivating high-value crops.
Addressing the residents of Soy Sub County during the distribution of high-value crops, Chelugui noted that the acreage dedicated to coffee in Soy Sub County stands at 348, with 286 farmers involved, representing 24 per cent of the total, therefore highlighting the transformative potential of planting high-value crops in the region.
The CS emphasized the significance of a 3% cherries advance loan to support farmers in kickstarting their cultivation efforts with a pledge to recover the advance upon the delivery of cherries.
“I want to urge all the farmers in the Noreb counties to take the lead in planting and seizing the opportunity to improve their livelihoods by embracing coffee cultivation. Additionally avocado is a new cash crop with the power to shake the world and we should embrace it to bring about positive changes in farmers’ lives without the need for extensive fertilizers or certificates,” said Chelugui.
How many high-value crop seedlings has Uasin Gishu distributed?
Governor Dr Jonathan Bii echoed Chelugui’s sentiments on agricultural diversification and the distribution of high-value crop seedlings in Soy Sub-County by highlighting the distribution of 383,000 coffee seedlings, 17,500 avocado seedlings and 50,000 pyrethrum splits across the six sub-counties.
Bii emphasized the agricultural potential of Soy for coffee cultivation by projecting significant yields with a high market value.
“Soy in particular has significant potential for coffee cultivation due to its favourable weather and soil conditions. The potential stands at 2,784,000 Kgs of Cherries or 397714.2 Kgs (397.7 tons) of parchment valued at Ksh. 222. 7 million,” said Dr Bii.
The County Boss further noted that the initiative aims to increase food security and household incomes and promote value-addition efforts within the community thus indicating a strategic push towards sustainable farming practices and economic growth.
Also present were Elgeyo Marakwet Governor H.E Wesley Rotich, CECM’s Edward Sawe(Agriculture), Dr Abraham Serem (Health Services) and Micah Rogony (Finance) among other top Government Officials.
