Homa Bay deputy governor urges youth to embrace agribusiness

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga views crops produced using modern technology at Lwanda Nyamasare village in Mbita sub-county during the World Food Day. [James Omoro, Standard]

Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has challenged the youth to embrace agribusiness to enhance job creation in the county.

Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations at Lwanda Nyamasare village in Mbita sub-county, Magwanga who is also the CECM for Agriculture, said agriculture should not be branded a venture for the elderly.

"We have discovered that many youth have abandoned agriculture due to negative attitude. I want to encourage them to embrace it for multiple benefits," he said.

The Deputy Governor who was accompanied by CECMs Martin Opere (Education) and Joash Aloo (Water), urge the youth and farmers to embrace modern agricultural technologies.

He argued that the new technologies are key to increased production.

The deputy governor said that irrigation, planting certified seeds, use of recommended fertilisers among other methods are critical in enhancing high crop yield.

He emphasized that agribusiness is a good source of employment for the youth instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.

"There are many young people who graduate from various colleges and universities every year. But agribusiness will enable them to become job creators rather than job seekers," Magwanga said.

He said youth can earn more money from agribusiness than formal employment.

Opere called for respect among crop producers and livestock keepers to ensure peaceful co-existence.

"Let livestock keepers avoid letting their livestock to destroy crops which are being propagated by other farmers. We need peaceful co-existence because we depend on one another as farmers," Opere said.

Dr Aloo urged farmers to utilise their land for effective crop production.

"I can see large tracts of land lying fallow here in Mbita Sub-county. Let us ensure maximum utilisation of our land in producing crops," Dr Aloo said.