Mwea farmers turn to lucrative sorghum farming

Kerugoya

Thursday, August 3, 2023

KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

Mwea farmers, best known for huge plantations of aromatic Pishori rice as a major cash crop and source of wealth for the local residents, have now ventured into another crop to expand the source of their income. The farmers have ventured into sorghum farming owing to inconsistent rain patterns saying that it has a short maturity period of three months.

Area Member of Parliament (MP) Mary Maingi, who graced the event where Kenya Breweries launched partnership to support sorghum farmers by purchasing their products, said the coming together with the brewer will be a major boost to farmers.

She said farmers from semi-arid areas of Mwea should grow sorghum to enable them to sustain their families. The partnership saw 5,000 farmers signed up for the programme.

“I can confidently assure Mwea farmers that this is just the beginning of a long-term partnership with Kenya Breweries. In the upcoming September season, I’m optimistic that more farmers’ produce will be bought,” she said

The sorghum’s by-products will come in handy for the production of animal feeds thus generating another source of income for residents.

Jecinta Njeri, a sorghum farmer in South Ngariama, says she does not regret turning to sorghum farming because its production is not labour intensive, requires less water hence making it cost effective compared to her other crops like tomatoes.

 “Farming tomatoes in South Ngariama is very costly since the place receives minimal rain as compared to other parts of the county. With sorghum, the narrative is different. It grows and matures with little water,” she added.

She urged farmers to plant certified seeds for better yields and more money.

James Njeru urged fellow farmers to venture into crops that will generate good income within a short period of time.

“We are living in an era where one needs to have a supplementary source of income. In the case of farming, sorghum is a better option because it will not stop you from cultivating other crops,” he added.

Mwea East Assistant County Commissioner Josphat Onchari lauded the partnership, saying it will go a long way in spurring economic growth and enhancing food security.

Courtesy ; K. N. A