MCAs demand release of tractors, decry high charges

By RENSON BULUMA

BUSIA COUNTY: A section of MCAs have asked the Busia County government to release the seven tractors bought recently to sub counties to help farmers prepare their farms for the coming planting season.

The MCAs also took issues with the proposed fee of between Sh3,000 and Sh3,500 for ploughing land using the newly acquired tractors saying the figure is beyond the ability of the local farmers.

Led by the Leader of Minority Moses Mamai, the MCAs expressed fears that most of the farmers may not be able to till their farms on time because the government is yet to honour pledges made to them.

“The government promised to supply subsidized farm inputs such as fertilizers and quality seeds ahead of this planting season and most of the farmers are still waiting,” said Mr Mamai.

He added: “the proposed rate for hiring the tractors is well above the normal rates yet the government bought the machines on promise that they will offer service at subsidised prices.”

MCA Rachel Omollo said the county’s food production is likely to be affected this year because of the confusion.

She called on the county government to come up with a clear strategy on agriculture especially on irrigation saying the region experiences erratic weather conditions and relaying on rains would hamper crop production.

The MCAs were reacting on a report by the committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources read by MCA Eric Kaibe.

The committee’s Chairman Charles Wakhungu said the tractors had not been released to the field because the programme for their sustainability had not been resolved.

“We are yet to come up with the acceptable prices for the services that will be offered by the tractors,” said Mr Wakhungu.

Last week, Governor Sospeter Ojaamong launched seven tractors worth over Sh45million saying the machines will be immediately dispatched to work for the farmers in the seven sub counties of Teso North, Teso South, Matayos, Bunyala, Nambale, Butula and Samia.

Speaking at the Busia Agricultural Training College during the official launch, Ojaamong said the tractors which will be distributed to the seven Sub-Counties in the region, will help increase the amount of land that is put under cultivation from the current 40 to 80 per cent.

“We intend to have at least one tractor in each of the 35 wards in the County,” said the governor, adding that the County government has budgeted to provide farm inputs to a total of 107 identified farmers per ward.