Eldoret North MP Mr. William Ruto addressing the public at Kipkaren market where he said the government should invest in the agricultre sector to realize economic growth. [PHOTO|Joseph Amunya Otieno|West Fm]

Agricultural sector has the potential to turn around the country’s economy and development status as well as improving the living standards of most Kenyans, Eldoret North Mp Mr. William Ruto has said.

Addressing the public at Kipkaren trading centre, the once Agriculture minister urged  the government to heavily invest in the agricultural sector by reducing costs of farming thereby enabling most farmers access inputs at affordable prices in order to increase crop production.

Regretting the projected drop in maize production this year, Ruto challenged the government to reduce the prize of fertilizer from Sh3, 000 to Sh1, 000 per bag in order to enable farmers purchase enough for their farms.

“The government should not expect a farmer using one bag of fertilizer on an acre of land to harvest 20 bags of maize. When I served the country in the ministry of Agriculture the price of one bag of fertilizer dropped from Sh6, 000 to Sh2, 000. I know it can still drop to Sh1, 000,” said Ruto.

He, at the same time urged the government to negotiate with money lending institutions so that they can avail interest free loans to farmers to enable them access enough capital for investing in the sector.

On marketing, The United Republican Party (URP) presidential candidate blamed the government for allowing business brokers exploit farmers instead of availing enough funds and in time at the National Cereals and Produce Boards (NCPBs) where farmers can dispose their produce at attractive prices.

The legislator said that the next government should start a special fund kitty under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for women and youth to enable them access loans without interests and hence invest in and boost the country’s local business industry. 

On politics, Ruto asked politicians from the Luhya and Kalenjin communities to unite and form a strong political pact that will see one of them clinch the presidency.

He disclosed that plans to have such a formation realized were at an advanced stage urging the electorate from the two regions to support them.

“I am in talks with several leaders in Western province including Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa and even my brother from Lugari Mr. Cyrus Jirongo,” said Ruto.

Rooting for a peaceful General Election, Ruto asked electorate in the region to allow aspirants to sell their policies before deciding whom to vote and elect to power.