Nyagarama’s administration eyeing agribusiness to boost local economy

Nyamira; Kenya: The county government is investing in agribusiness to boost the devolved unit's economy.

Governor John Nyagarama said the county is seeking to increase investment in agricultural production and agribusiness through enhancement of extension services.

Speaking in Nyamaiya Ward when he distributed farm inputs to farming groups, Mr Nyagarama said the county had identified the dairy sector as well as cultivation of traditional vegetables and bananas as areas that needed to be supported.

"The county has already provided artificial insemination services for over 12,000 cows," said Nyagarama.

breeding centre

He said they had also procured 120 dairy goats and plans were underway to establish a breeding centre for hybrids.

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He added the county would also buy milk coolers to cushion dairy farmers against unnecessary losses.

Nyagarama urged farmers to till certified pasture and cultivate other fodder to supplement commercial feeds.

He said the county's agricultural potential can only be fully exploited if farmers transformed from subsistence to commercial farming.

"Cognizant that maize production has dwindled due to maize lethal necrotic disease, farmers should now plant high value alternative crops," he said.

Nyagarama added that the county would also construct at least 300 fishponds to boost fish farming.