Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich on March 31, 2023, launched the distribution of 10,000 kilograms of certified Sorghum seedlings to registered farmers along the Kerio Valley.
The exercise comes after the governor struck a partnership with East African Breweries Limited (EABL) to contract farmers in the valley to grow the crop for the company.
Under the deal, EABL will purchase a kilogram of the Sorghum at Ksh56.
To ensure farmers are economically empowered, Governor Rotich’s administration is promoting income generating ventures through the initiation of agribusiness activities for cash crop farmers.
The initiative is also in line with his “pesa mfukoni” manifesto. It also seeks to increase productivity, stimulate value addition and attract good prices. The farmers are also guaranteed of ready market for their produce.
Through the program, residents will be provided with capacity building, seedlings as well as extension services support.
Speaking during the launch in Keiyo North, Marakwet East and West Sub counties, the Governor urged farmers to take good care of their crops and plant together so that after harvesting, the contractor buys them wholesome.
“We have sourced high-quality seeds to ensure fast maturity and high yields. We urge our farmers to work closely with agricultural officers in the ward to ensure you produce export quality final product“, said Rotich.
Diversification
He further urged farmers to request more allocation towards diversification through public participation. The initiative, the county boss said, will be a continuous process.
On his part, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Edwin Seronei urged farmers to diversify so as to protect themselves from losses when one crop fails.
“We encourage farmers to focus on high-value crops. It will ensure food security and ‘pesa mfukoni’ initiative is achieved ,” said Seronei.
The farmers echoed the Governor’s aspirations that improving agriculture as an economic venture will act as food security and income generating avenue for them.
James Kittony, a farmer in Chesetan, Sambirir ward, urged fellow farmers to embrace cash crop farming.
He said it will enhance their day to day upkeep.
The county boss also revealed that under a programme to boost cash crop farming in the County, other cash crops like Pyrethrum, Cotton and Coffee will be also be distributed across the county.
Endo, Arror, Emsoo, Sambirir, Soy North and Soy South benefitted from the program.
