Busia County launch agricultural fund program

Busia County government has launched an agricultural fund to help farmers boost their production.

The forty million fund will be handy in helping farmers in the county many of who depend on ancient days farming methods get access to modern farming technologies and farm inputs.

Hungary Ambassador to Kenya Laszlo Eduardo Mathe who officiated the launch at Butula polytechnic challenged Kenya to emulate his country by producing enough food for her people noting that Kenya is facing a challenge of producing less food to feed its population.

“Twenty-five years ago Hungary was unoccupied country with Soviet Army occupying our land and when they left we started from the scratches today we have all we need.”  He said.

He added that with a population of ten million people, Hungary produces food for over thirty million people.

According to the ambassador, Kenya needs to be open to all initiatives including creating funds to benefit farmers and not just food on the table but money on the pocket.

In his speech, Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the fund will assist farmers in the County and ensure food security, adding that they will work with the county assembly to increase the fund which he said was very good initiative.

“I therefore urge Members of Parliament and friends of the County to support the program which will go along way in helping our farmers.” He said.

His Deputy Kizito Wangalwa regretted that there are 224 co-operative Societies in the county but only 50 were active, adding that the rest are briefcase which only become active while seeking for funds.

He said Ksh. 3 million will be given to Butula Dairy but in installments to enable them monitor its performance.

Wangalwa urged county residents to plant trees in large numbers saying the county government had enough seedlings. He said women and youth groups should also take tree planting as a business.

Busia County Executive Committee Member for Agricultural Committee Moses Osia revealed that the county government will also buy farm inputs like fertilizer for farmers in the county.