The Mountain Journal
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Murang’a county government has initiated a sorghum farming programme designed to empower farmers in the lower parts.
This year, more than 200 farmers are registered in the programme through the partnership of EABL.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the sorghum farming is a game charger initiative that has seen many of the underutilized land in the lower parts turn to usage.
Kang’ata flanked by Agriculture CEC Kimani Mugo, Kang’ata said last year the programme enrolled 70 farmers, and the number has grown owing to the best price offered by the buyer.
“The contracted price of Sh 48 per kilogramme has proved the best for the first time crop in Murang’a,” said the governor, adding that the demand for quality sorghum remains high..
He said in the coming years the number of sorghum farmers is set to rise owing to the impressive return from the market.
“ Am delighted that this one we have one farmer with 12 acres of land under the sorghum, a prove that the locals are embracing the programme,” said Kanga’ata.
He added that the number of farmers is set to rise based on better payment.
In maize farming, Kang’ata said through the distribution of certified maize seedlings and fertiliser to the small scale farmers, the initiative will bear fruits as bumper harvest is awaited.
The maize was distributed to 77,000 farmers, who underwent training from the agricultural experts on the best crop husbandry. .
The programme is designed to help farmers produce enough produce and also save the local traders from incurring costs of transporting the same to the neighbouring countries of Ethiopia and Tanzania.
“ A bag of maize will not go below Sh3,500 and the growers are at liberty to sell to a Kirinyaga based Joy Maize Millers or any other person,” said the Governor.
The agriculture CEC, said the agriculture programme initiated by the county government includes the revival of Murang’a Creameries, Inua Mkulima card that caters from dairy farmers, mango, among others. Ends
