To reduce the country’s reliance on imported edible oils, the government has unveiled a plan to cultivate sunflower in 34 counties, aiming to slash the annual Sh160 billion import bill significantly.

Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi revealed the government’s initiative to bolster local production through the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project, emphasizing the potential to cut import costs by 50% and subsequently lower cooking oil prices.

Speaking at a meeting on edible oil crops value chains, Linturi highlighted the project’s co-funding of Sh981 million, with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) leading the implementation in collaboration with various government entities.

“We have already distributed 70 tonnes of sunflower seeds for multiplication in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia counties, with plans for further expansion,” Linturi stated. Additionally, efforts are underway to cultivate palm oil on 100,000 acres by 2027 and canola on 120,000 acres.

Dr. Dominic Menjo, food security adviser, outlined the government’s ambitious targets, including the cultivation of 200,000 acres for sunflower this season and two million acres in the near future. The aim is to produce 40 million liters of cooking oil valued at Sh8 billion, with substantial returns for farmers.