Farmers in the maize-growing regions have been urged to embrace new technologies in agriculture in order to increase productivity. Speaking during the Kenya Seed annual research field day in Endebess, the Chief Administrative Secretary in the state department of crop development Harsama Kello said the agricultural sector, as the backbone of the economy, is critical in stimulating growth by providing raw materials towards the realization Big Four Agenda.
He called for concerted efforts from seed companies in the region to
copy the example of Kenya Seed Company in diversifying product portfolio
to include seeds of crops that are adaptable to the arid and semi-arid
lands (ASAL) to spur food production.
Speaking at the same function, Kenya Seed Managing Director Azariah Soy
said the seed company had embarked on a national performance trials
in the highland areas and higher yields are expected in the next
season.
The MD said following the availing of 28 million kilograms of maize, already in stores for the next planting season, farmers need to prepare their land on time and avoid the continuous land sub divisions which he said
hindered seed production.
He asked the Agricultural Development Cooperation (ADC) to maintain
land for seed production, adding that Kenya Seed is ready to
negotiate with large scale farmers with a view of contracting them to
double seed production.
The MD, however, asked the County government of Trans Nzoia to help
grade dilapidated roads which had hindered farmers from effectively
ferrying their produce.
Trans Nzoia County Deputy Governor Dr. Stanley Tarus Kenei asked the
government to channel more funds to the Ministry of Agriculture. He further noted that many farmers are now disadvantaged and have lost morale following the dwindling of maize and milk prices, and he called upon the government to make sure farmers get their dues from
their hard work.
