Harvesting of sorghum is looming in Murang’a County with a ready market at the East African Breweries Limited(EABL).
Governor Irungu Kang’a says the county government has negotiated for a price of an acre for Sh50,000 up from Sh30,000 for 10 bags of maize.
A kilogramme will cost Sh48.
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The introduction of sorghum is to ensure the farmers in the lower parts of Murang’a enjoy similar subsidies like their counterparts in the upper region.
In this working tour of Ithanga ward, in lower Gatanga, Kang’ata the introduction of sorghum farming has been of much benefit to the locals owing to the low rains and huge tracts of land.
“ We have a contract with the EABL for the sorghum crop which is a better deal than that of maize, where an acre produces not more than 10 bags annually,” said the governor.
During the tour Kang’ata launched ECDE centres at Ngurunga, Kyaume, and Ngelelya, saying sorghum is the newest cash crop in Murang’a, especially for farmers in the lower Gatanga.
“ Those in the upper region have dairy, tea, and coffee, and we found it prudent to look for a crop that is suitable for the lower parts,” said the governor.
At the same time, the governor said security measures have been enhanced through the installation of computers in the public health facilities to help monitor the dispensation of drugs.
Kang’ata said his administration has invested in the installation of CCTV cameras, and automation services in the devolved units designed to improve services and stop the theft of drugs
“ We have a challenge with drugs in the facilities, but in the coming months from the comfort of my office I will be able to monitor the dispensation of drugs and services being rendered across the county,” said the governor. www.themountainjournal.co.ke
