Wavinya issues cheques worth Sh138,180,837 to farmers in Machakos

Machakos, Saturday, April 29, 2023

K.N.A By Anne Kangero

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has embarked on an empowerment programme for farmers by issuing cheques worth 138,180,837 to facilitate the procurement of farm inputs to promote production.

She expressed optimism that the noble gesture would spur higher yields and ensure the needed food security among groups and individual farmers by boosting productivity and creation of wealth in the county.

The Governor was speaking during the launch of #chakula mezani pesa mfukoni programme at the International Convention Centre in Machakos which brought together stakeholders in the agricultural sector and other development partners.

“As I promised, my government will progressively continue to support our farmers as per my pre-election manifesto as we focus on making Machakos stable and food secure,” said Wavinya.

She implored the residents to exploit the available opportunities in crop production, fish farming, dairy and livestock production to increase production through the established channels including the extension services.

Wavinya pointed out that in Machakos, agriculture contributes to 70 percent of household incomes which is a key sector in the county since it helps in achieving food and nutrition security, alleviating poverty and creation of wealth for the residents.

She added that some interventions were initiated to enhance agricultural productivity such as the issuance of free crop seeds, seedlings, pesticides, fertilizer free chicks, goats incubators, pond liners and free tractor service among others.

The governor urged all farmers to be in the frontline in planting fruit trees so as to mitigate the risk posed by climate change which is a major threat to agricultural production.

She said that this being a recovery period, her government is committed to building resilience among the farming communities and ensuring that farmers recover from the effects of drought.

“I urge farmers to take care of their crops and livestock so that we can lower the high cost of living in the county,” said Wavinya.

Wavinya added that her government was working closely with the national government to ensure subsidized fertilizer was available at the National Cereals and Produce Board for ease of access.

She announced plans to transform the Machakos Agricultural Training center to a modern facility for field research, seed propagation, training and demonstrations.

“The revamped ATC center will use modern technologies in multiplication of fish, improved livestock breeds and crop varieties,” said the governor.

Wavinya noted that to actualize her #chakula mezani pesamfukoni programme, the county partnered with different development partners such as World Bank, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and African Development Bank

Others guests and partners present were the Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Bishop Dr. Joel Nzomo from agriculture department, food security and cooperatives, members of the county assembly, the CECs among others. 

Courtesy K.N.A