By LEAH GONDI-OGONDI

The Agriculture sector received lukewarm attention in the budget that will see the first phase of the Sh3.6 billion Galana irrigation project at the Coast commence immediately.

At the same time, food production inputs will be zero-rated to enable Kenyan farmers produce more and at a cheaper cost.

In the Sh13.6 billion-budget proposal, the one million acre irrigation and food security project has been allocated Sh3.6 billion that will see the project up and running.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said the Government plans to improve the lives of poverty stricken Kenyans in both rural and urban areas through such projects that will boost the country’s food security.

“Galana has the potential of being a major contributor to both the coast region and the national economy by providing jobs and transforming the Coast region into a business hub,” said Rotich.

He added that the tourism industry will also benefit from the project by attracting people from all walks of life to invest in the business.

Of the Sh13.6 billion allocated to the Agriculture ministry, more than Sh8 billion will be used to implement irrigation schemes, Sh2 billion to fund agribusiness to help farmers and Sh3.6 billion injected into the Galana project.

Rotich mentioned that the Budget will reduce the cost of living by reducing the challenges faced by farmers.

The Budget will also revitalise agricultural programmes to facilitate farmers with information on how to handle resources in the business.

He noted that some of the challenges faced by farmers in the agriculture sector are the use of inappropriate technology, lack of water for production purposes, lack of funding, over reliance on one supplier, transporting farmers’ produce and over reliance of farming land among others.

“This budget will ensure that all these challenges are sorted out to ensure that all farmers are comfortable,” he noted.

He urged the East African Community and the tourism sector to secure agribusiness for it will be a positive impact on the Kenyan economy.

To boost food security the Government will opening up at least 1 million acres of new land through irrigation.