Farmers urged to maximise short rains season for planting

 

Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Edwin Seroney

Farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet have been asked to take advantage of the short rains season by planting crops that can be harvested within a few months. 

County  Executive Committee member for Agriculture, Edwin Seroney, said utilising this period to plant crops that yield results quickly would ensure food security and income generation for the local communities. 

“I want to urge all the county's residents, to make use of the available rainwater and go to the farms,” Seroney said.

He encouraged residents to engage in agribusiness, in line with the strategy launched by the county government.

“Through the wealth creation policy, we are enabling farmers to venture into commercial farming, such as growing pyrethrum, coffee, avocados, mangoes and sorghum, among others,” he said.

“This initiative aims to transform the lives of our residents by putting money in their pockets and helping them fight poverty.”

Seroney acknowledged the growing acceptance of the wealth creation policy among farmers, noting that many have embraced it not only to secure food for their families, but also to produce a surplus for commercial purposes.

He explained the agricultural zoning strategy, which supports different regions to cultivate specific crops.

"We have good water catchment as a county, with most of the water flowing into the valley. Through the department and our annual development plan, we have managed to set aside funds for avocado farming in the upper regions of the county," he said.

The upper regions of the county are focused on cultivating coffee, avocados, pyrethrum, Irish potatoes, French beans and Nyota beans.

The lower regions, particularly the Kerio Valley, are suitable for growing mangoes, sorghum, Nyota beans and soya," he said.

The CEC urged parents to involve the younger generation in agricultural activities.

"Parents should give the youth a portion of land to engage in commercial farming. They can plant vegetables, green grams, avocados and many other crops. The income they generate will uplift their lives."

With the government’s ongoing support and the community’s active participation, Elgeyo Marakwet is on a path towards sustainable agricultural development, he added.

The county's aim is to improve the livelihoods of its residents through enhanced food production and income generation.

by Rennish Okong’o