Mudavadi challenges youth to venture into farming

By Peter Ochieng

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is urging youth to venture into farming, instead of sitting idle over claims of lack of employment.

Mudavadi said income from agriculture and related activities is expected to increase, in the coming years.

"May I reiterate that the government is alive to the aging farming population. I urge the youth to venture into agriculture because incomes from agriculture and related activities are expected to increase," he said.

He spoke on Friday, while presiding over the openning ceremony of the Kisumu 2023 Regional A.S.K show, in Mamboleo.

"With the increase in technologies in agriculture as exhibited in this show, young Kenyans should take advantage of these innovations to make farming a profitable career. Take time to learn the new methods and technologies and use the knowledge to invest in agriculture," he added.

Mudavadi said the government has allocated Sh134 million for the edible oils promotion project, urging county governments to tap into it.

"Kisumu County, for instance, should become a leading producer of edible oils. In addition to vegetable oil processing, the edible oil value chain feeds into the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food processing industries."

"I am therefore proud to announce that the government has allocated Ksh134 million to the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project this 2023/24 financial year. I encourage County Governments to dip into this fund to procure planting material and build the capacity of our farmers to produce edible oil crops."

The show ends on Sunday.