Governors roll out plans to increase food production, farmers' income

Other than enabling more people to engage in agriculture by utilising the available land, the leaders hope to create jobs. [iStockphoto

Governors from Nyanza have expressed optimism that the region will be food secure in the next five years.

Other than enabling more people to engage in agriculture by utilising the available land, the leaders hope to create jobs.

In Migori, Governor Ochilo Ayacko recently tasked the Agriculture department to bring change in the sector in three months.

The Governor cites a USAID sorghum farming programme in which farmers are assured of market from the East Africa Breweries Ltd. The project covers Kuria East, Kuria West and Nyatike sub-counties, and will be spread to other areas.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati says his administration will be supporting value addition through agro-processing.

"The hard-working residents of Kisii are able to produce enough food crops for subsistence. All we need is a mechanism to enable longer shelf-life for our largely perishable food crops to ensure that farmers reap profit from their sweat," he says.

The European Union has given a grant of Sh110 million while the county government has set aside Sh45 million to increase earnings from banana farming through value addition.

The governor also aims to improve dairy farming by "sensitisation and promotion of intensive livestock production, through zero grazing."

In Kisumu, the county government has already purchased a Sh30 million rice mill with a capacity of 2.5 metric tons per day.

In addition, Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has signed an agreement with a British company, United Green, for a Sh31 billion project on rice, cotton, soybean and other crop value chains in six sub-counties.

The Fisheries department and the national government will set up Sh1 billion Kabonyo fisheries and aquaculture service and training centre, while Governor Nyong'o will spend Sh3 million to buy fingerlings and fish feed to help cage fish farmers who lost their stock recently.

"Our Aquaculture Business Development Project targets some 432 beneficiaries and rehabilitation of 561 fish ponds," he says.

Farming in Siaya has also received a boost after the launch of subsidised tractor-hire services. The tractors are expected to plough at least 3,000 acres in the next planting season.

"We want more people to come forward and utilise farms that have been lying fallow because of their large sizes. Farmers will only pay Sh2,000 per acre to use the tractors," says Governor James Orengo.

The county has set aside Sh31 million to buy 10 more tractors and an additional Sh120 million for certified seeds and fertiliser.