Insufficient funds have been singled out as the major challenge hindering progress at the Mabanga Farmers Training Institute (F.T.C), the only agricultural institution in the entire Bungoma County.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting at the institution, the FTC Principal Mrs. Margret Goko appealed to all stakeholders to come out and support various programs at the institute aimed at imparting modern agriculture technological knowhow to farmers.

Mrs. Goko pointed out that the forth coming agricultural field day later this year will not materialize if all stakeholders will seat on the periphery without giving their much needed financial support.

The Principal urged stakeholders who wished to showcase during the field day scheduled for July this year to liaise with the institute early to avoid last minute rush for the success of the event.

During the stakeholders meeting, members raised the need to improve on crop husbandry practices on the farm to make the farm a training center for farmers.

In addition they said security firms guarding the institution should be held responsible for any loss of property on the compound.

“The institute must employ competent security personnel to ensure crops, animals and any other property is safe,’’ Fred Maori the fisheries department said.

This comes as a result of theft of fish in a fish pond that was targeted to produce over 700 pieces of fish produced a mere 13 pieces as a result of the theft.

The fish pond where only 13 fish were able to be harvested. Phots/ Protus Simiyu

“1000 fingerlings were planted in the fish bond, owing to professional feeding and bond management, the bond was capable of producing over 700 pieces of mature fish,’’ Mr. Maori pointed out.

As such they raised the need for the fish ponds to be properly fenced and manned to avoid unnecessary lose of property.

Stake holders also urged the political leadership in Bungoma to support the institute especially through the CDF kitty in order to achieve its mandate to farmers in Bungoma County and beyond.

They said there is lack of political will amongst the elected leadership in Bungoma County to support the institution, but opt to use it as a conference center for political meetings.

The stakeholders urged the institute to enhance technology in agriculture and industry for food security and growth saying instead of reducing the number of animals, they should be increased to generate more income and provide employment for locals.