Sh10m set aside for cassava plant in Teso South

East African Agricultural Productivity Project (EAAPP) plans to construct a cassava processing plant in Simba Chai area of Teso South sub-county.

The facility which will cost Sh10 million is expected to serve 15,000 cassava farmers in Busia and neighbouring  Bungoma and Siaya counties.

A two-acre piece of land has been allocated for the project by the county government.

Governor Sospeter Ojaamong is expected to preside over the ground breaking ceremony next one month.

Agriculture Executive Moses Mwanje has appealed to farmers to plant cassava crop on large scale since the region has high potential in cassava farming.

“We have to put more efforts in agribusiness to reverse the poverty trend in this region, that currently stands at 66 per cent. This factory will help in income generating and employment for locals,” Mr Mwanje said.

FOOD SECURITY

The factory will produce starch for domestic and export markets.

“Cassava can enhance the county’s food security. We shall inject more funds in the sector to ensure our farmers benefit from their produce through processing and value addition,” he added.

The executive said cassava collection sites will also be constructed in delivery points. From here, trucks will be able to pick the produce to the main factory.

“We shall have a total of 14 collection centres in Busia and another two in Siaya and Bungoma,” he said.

Cassava is a staple food for communities in Teso North and South sub-counties.

Most farmers in the region at least have the crop in their farms where it is inter-cropped beans, maize and bananas.

Stephen Pamba, 29, a farmer at Ang’orom area in Teso South sub-county says because cassava is drought resistant and tolerant crop, it is capable of growing on marginal soils.

“This crop is a major staple food in our community and it provides a basic diet for most of the locals,” said Mr Pamba.

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute in Alupe has recommended the crop be planted as livestock feed, owing to its high carbohydrates content found in the starchy tuberous root.