Tea farmers in Mt Elgon Sub-County to get free seedlings

Bungoma, Kenya - Tea farmers in Mt Elgon Sub-County will benefit from 700,000 free seedlings in a programme aimed at expanding tea acreage in the country.

 

The county government has bought 500,000, while the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture will provide 200,000 seedlings, to be given to farmers for free.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call to Deputy Governor Hillary Chongwony on Friday, Agriculture Principal Secretary Cecily Kariuki said the Government had chosen Mt Elgon because of its suitable soil and weather for tea growth.

"Mt Elgon region was known worldwide for its Elgon teak tree species, but due to forest destruction, the trees are almost extinct. It is for this reason that we have embarked on tea production to replace Elgon teak," said the PS.

Ms Kariuki noted that many farmers had discarded tea growing because of poor returns, but assured them there are changes in the world market.

"Majority of farmers are engaged in maize growth because it's a staple food. We want them to turn to the tea growing so that they can enjoy its immense benefits," She said.

Mr Chongwony lauded the national government for its collaboration with the sub-county to ensure the success of tea growing.

"Let the government train more agricultural extension workers so that they can in turn train farmers on tea farming methods," he said.