Kenya taps Indian technology to boost agriculture

By Titus Too

The Indian government will actively support Kenya to develop technologies to enhance food production.

Sibabrata Tripathi, the High Commissioner of India said his country is partnering with Kenya towards realisation of technological advancement in agriculture. “More than 100 Kenyans benefit from Indian scholarships annually to train in new technologies in agriculture,” said Tripathi.

He noted that Kenya has appreciated machinery developed in India for agricultural productivity and his government would share experiences towards realisation of full potentials in the sector.

“Farmers in Kenya are using machinery developed in India including combine harvesters and tractors. We will give more support through training to boost technology,” he said.

Tripathi made the remarks last week at the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) in Eldoret where he paid a courtesy call.

Tripathi who was accompanied by Indian High Commission commercial officer Hudson Mboya met KVDA Managing Director Mr David Kimosop. The High Commissioner in his two-day tour of the North Rift region added that the Indian government would also support in addressing challenges posed by water shortage in food production.

He said beneficiaries of the scholarships train in new technologies in areas that include spinning and weaving, irrigation, water and forestry among others.

Kimosop said Kenya has high potential in agriculture but have not been fully exploited.

“We want to partner with India and venture into active agribusiness and farming through use of new technologies to boost food security in the country,” said Kimosop.

He said KVDA will play an active role to boost food production inKenya.