The Nandi County government through the Ministry of Agriculture which is headed by CEC Kiplimo Lagat has issued avocado seedlings, coffee seeds, tissue-culture banana seedlings and cheques to groups of farmers across the County. Speaking during the exercise, Lagat said they have given out 15,000 avocado seedlings, 200Kg of coffee seeds, 300 banana tissue cultures and cheques worth Kshs 6,100,000 to cooperatives.
He said the County is targeting to give out 50,000 avocado seedlings every year to farmers urging them to embrace diversification since maize farming has faced its challenges that call for patience from farmers, “The County government of Nandi is investing heavily in agriculture for it’s the backbone of our economy,” he affirmed.
He revealed that the Agriculture Ministry is promoting avocado farming in its diversification efforts, particularly the Fuerte and Hass avocados, both for export and local consumption, and urged residents to embrace the programme.
Cooperative societies which received the coffee seeds include Kapsaos Kabirer, Kibukwo, Kapkiyai, Kabunyeria, Kamelilo, Sarora, Chepsaiti, oasis, Lolminingai and Tuiyobei while those that received avocado seedlings are Noiywet and Kapkabai farmers groups respectively. The County is also pushing for the planting of sweet and Irish potatoes, French beans and Macadamia among other crops.