Kirinyaga County champions for organic farming

Governor Anne Waiguru promises to help farmers to reduce reliance on agrochemicals due to health concerns. [File, Standard]

Kirinyaga County hosted agroecology symposium to promote farming and consumption of organic food for commercial and health benefits.

The two-day event held at Kirinyaga University is part of a campaign by the county to reduce the use of agrochemicals in crop production in the wake of rising health concerns.

The symposium brought together over 700 participants, including farmers, agricultural experts, exhibitors, buyers, and input suppliers.

The discussion focused on practical aspects of organic farming, such as pest management, soil health, and market access.

Governor Anne Waiguru said she was committed to helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while reducing reliance on agrochemicals due to health concerns.

“We are undertaking farmers’ training on organic farming because we want to reduce the use of agrochemicals,” she said.

The governor emphasized that organic farming supports food safety, public health, and environmental conservation.

Waiguru said the county government is undertaking training aimed at mitigating the potential negative impacts of chemicals on humans and the environment.

The training is targeting horticulture farmers, especially those engaged in tomatoes, French beans, rice, among others, on the reduction of agrochemicals.

Some 400 farmers supported by the county government have ventured into organic farming.

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture,  John Gachara, described the event as a milestone in the county’s transition to agroecological farming.

“This is a day we have been planning for. We are proud to host the first organic farming symposium in Kirinyaga. Our focus is to encourage farmers to embrace organic.
methods in response to the health and environmental challenges posed by chemical-based agriculture,” Dr Gachara said. 

Alex Muriithi, founder of Super Ideal Farming Group, said his organisation has been training farmers in Kirinyaga on the use of organic foliar fertilisers.

“These fertilisers help reduce crop diseases and are healthier for our bodies,” he said.

He explained that the group uses locally available materials, reducing waste and cutting production costs.

“Most farmers have now embraced organic farming,” he added.

Agroecology expert Gideon Moya from BIBA Kenya also praised the event.

Biba Kenya has supported ten member organisations from across the country to participate in the event.

“We are huge promoters of agroecology; we train small-scale farmers on safe production methods by discouraging toxic pesticides and promoting indigenous farming
through our campaign dubbed Kula Kienyeji,” he said.

“The chemicals we used were destroying the soil microorganisms that maintain fertility. They are absorbed by the crops, and eventually we consume them. This is why diseases are increasing,” he said.