The CS for Agriculture, Hon. Mithika Linturi recently attended the research field day hosted by the country’s top seed producer, Kenya Seeds, held at Elgon Downs Farm. The field day was under the theme of promoting affordable climate resilient seeds for food security and nutrition.
In line with the government’s goal of reducing the cost of farm inputs and increasing food production, the CS authorized Agriculture Development Cooperation Management to grant Kenya Seed Company additional land from their idle land for seed multiplication purposes. The BETA Agenda is built on the pillars of improving the agricultural sector, bring back profitability to the farmers in the country and improving the nutrition of for all citizens.
The Kenya Seeds Company has assured the Kenyan farmers that there is enough stock of seeds for the upcoming short rains planting season. The company is also hard at work to adopt a variety of seeds that are drought resistance and the adverse effects of climate change. One of the leading mandates of the Kenya Seeds Company is to produce the highest quality seeds for the farmers in the country to improve yields, while being affordable to shield the farmers from high costs of production. The company promises the Kenyan farmers that the required standards have been met before releasing seeds to them.
The President in previous speeches has continued to urge the Kenyans farmers to adopt and embrace technology and advancements such as this to increase food production in the country. The Kenya Kwanza government seeks to increase food production to the point of surplus for export purposes.
In his efforts at reforms, the Deputy President has been in meetings with various countries that will open up new markets for the Kenya’s foodstuff and dairy products. During the field day, the CS stated that the government will make available mobile maize dryers in 30 days to cushion farmers from post-harvest losses. The NCPB has renovated their warehouses in reediness of the Government purchasing approximately one million bags for the National Food Reserve.