The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
Embu Governor Martin Wambora (left) and Agriculture CS Peter Munya at the launch of the the Rupingazi -Weru irrigation project in Mbeti South, Embu County, on August 27, 2020. [Joseph Muchiri, Standard]
The government has pumped Sh333 million through the National Agriculture and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) to support agriculture value chains in Embu County.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya said the funds were spent on support programmes including aquaculture, capacity building for farmers, improvement of dairy farming and purchase of milk coolers among others.
Among the projects funded through NARIGP is the Rupingazi -Weru irrigation Project, which Munya presided over during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The first phase of the project will cost Sh100 million while the second phase will be implemented at a cost of Sh150 million.
According to Munya, the ministry through funding from the World Bank has prioritised the provision of irrigation projects.
“The national government in conjunction with the county government will continue supporting farmers and co-operatives to ensure they can enhance their livelihoods,” he said.
Munya said the government will continue supporting the projects especially the irrigation projects to ensure food security in these lower regions of Embu County which are productive but receive very little rains.
The CS observed that apart from NARIG project, the county is also benefitting with other programs set by the ministry which cumulatively has seen the government pumping over Ksh1.5 billion in Embu for various agricultural programs.
Speaking at the event, Embu Governor Martin Wambora said the irrigation project is part his government’s programme of improving agricultural productivity of dairy cows, kienyeji chicken, mango production and green grams.
Wambora added that the county government will continue sourcing for markets for agro-produce locally and internationally.
“Embu county is endowed with rich soils and adequate rainfall. I urge farmers to take advantage of this opportunity and reap the benefits. This will go a long way in creation of jobs and ensure food security under the Big 4 Agenda set by President Uhuru Kenyatta”, the governor said.
He said that farmers should also take advantage of the Sh80 million county revolving fund to set up agri business enterprises and take part in agriculture value chains.
Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary Annie Nyaga said the national government has earmarked one million households countrywide to benefit under the value chain projects.
She added that already 274 farmer groups have benefited from the support in Embu county.
The CAS said key agricultural products under the support programme include, tomatoes, onions, capsicum, cabbages, potatoes, sweet potatoes, chilies, kales, spinach, butternut, cucumbers, lettuce, bananas, lemons, passion fruit, pawpaw, avocado, mangoes, oranges and watermelon.
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
How digitising services saved milk cooperative
New initiative to finance pastoralists to cope with climate risks
How ventilation can improve poultry health
Flavour your finances with marjoram farming
Livestock diseases and conditions to look out for this rainy season
Embracing commercial dairy farming to bridge supply gap
join 