The Mountain Journal
Murang’a county government has formulated policies designed to address food security through provision of certified seeds to the small scale farmers.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata administration has procured varieties of maize seeds worth Sh33 million, earmarked for planting on the onset of the short rainy season.
The varieties have been sourced from Simlaw Seeds and KARLO, said the Governor, adding that he is determined to ensure Murang’a will soon be a food basket ending the narrative of being a net importer of maize from other counties
Speaking at the NCPB depot in Maragua town, when he led the women in the inspection of the farm input, Kang’ata said, fertilisers worth Sh50 million will also be distributed to the registered 57,975 members in all the 35 wards.
The former Governor Mwangi wa Iria during his 10 year tenure distributed drought resistant maize seeds, sweet potato veins, avocado and napier grass to the farmers.
But the initiative adopted by Kang’ata is designed to enhance food production, commercializing maize farming, and boosting farmers’ income in the county.
“We have invested in promoting our farmers through ensuring they have access to hybrid seeds after years of using bogus seeds, which led to poor yields and spread of diseases,” said Kang’ata.
Through the Inua Mkulima Programme, he said, Murang’a farmers stand to benefit as the farming of the crops will be closely monitored by experts to ensure maximum production.
“ The food security programme designed to support various sectors starting with food security, boosting the local economy, providing the locals with the right nutrients,” said the governor.
In maize farming, the farmers he said are at liberty to sell their maize to flour mill operators of their choice at Sh3,500 per bag of 90 kilogrammes.
The farm inputs, he said, will be distributed to the farmers affiliated to Inua Mkulima Grain Growers Cooperative Society across the sub counties between September 23rd September and October 12.
County Government Agriculture and Cooperative CEC Kimani Mugo said Inua Mkulima programme has trained field officers who will be visiting the registered farmers to ensure they follow the laid down procedure.
“ Agriculture extension officers have been trained to ensure the programmes benefit the target groups,” said Mugo.
Agriculture committee chairperson Ms Jane Muchiri said the assembly was in support of the agriculture programmes fronted by the county government.
“ The assembly has passed the regulations to allow the governor to procure the seeds and other farm inputs for the interest of the local farmers focusing on increased yield,” said Muchiri.
