60 greenhouses to be distributed in Nyamira wards

Nyamira, Kenya - Sixty greenhouses will be constructed in each of the 20 wards, in a programme aimed at enhancing food security, create jobs for youths and transform Nyamira into an agricultural power house.

 

Speaking when he launched a farmers' empowerment programme, Governor John Nyagarama said the county government will allocate Sh312 million to the department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in the next financial year to kick-start the project.

He noted that irrigated agriculture using greenhouse technology has enabled farmers to harvest more food even during severe dry spells.

"We have observed that growth in the agriculture sector is closely linked to the overall growth of the economy. Through greenhouse technology, our farmers will be able to achieve food security and improved nutrition, increase farm incomes, create employment and alleviate poverty," said Nyagarama.

Reports from the county department of Agriculture indicate that in 2014, farmers realised Sh12.6 million from the sale of green-house tomatoes, for the first two harvests.

Nyagarama called on residents to take farming as a business to enhance production. "Besides, technology comes in handy as a solution to pressure on land due to population increase," he said.