Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has accused a section of leaders and citizens who are opposing new rules and regulations in the agricultural sector aimed at uplifting farmers. Speaking on Friday at Busagwa primary school in Budalangi constituency, Busia County during the handing over ceremony of farming machinery to Bunyala rice farmers, Munya regretted that the opposition is delaying benefits for farmers, especially tea and sugarcane farmers, “We had started off well bringing changes to the sector for the benefit of farmers but some people are opposed to the changes because of their selfish interests.”
Munya reiterated the commitment by the national government to boost farming in the country through farmers on the ground, “Our priority as the government is the farmer. That is the stakeholder number one and that is the person that should be taken care of first before buyers and private companies come in.”
He urged those who have taken cases to Court, including, to block privatization of mills to withdraw them so that the government goes ahead with its plan which will boost farmers, “The mills should be privatized so that they serve farmers better.”
The CS also urged farmers to form groups and cooperatives which will enable them to get aid from the government and other donors, “The only way the government can help you is through groups. It’s not easy to get funding from the government or donors as an individual that is why I urge you to be in groups and societies like this one so that the government reaches you easily.”
Leaders from Busia County present led by Busia County Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi, Bunyala Sub County Commissioner Jacob Rutto and Bunyala Rice farmers’ chairperson Robert Musolo thanked the government for the machinery aid, with Mulomi challenging the farmers to utilize the equipment and acquire more using their own funds, “Your chairperson has said you save a sack of rice each after harvesting. Through that initiative you can buy more machines which will help improve your production. As a County government we are keen on value addition and we are going to work hand in hand with the farmers so that they can start packaging and branding their rice.”