West Pokot farmers urged to try their fortune in mango farming

Kapenguria Friday June 23, 2023

KNA by Richard Muhambe/Anthony Melly

Farmers in the lowland areas of West Pokot County have been urged to diversify their fortune in planting grafted mango trees owing to their profitability that would earn them a decent source of income and promote food security for their families.

Speaking during the distribution of mango tree seedlings in Tamugh location in Sook ward, West Pokot County, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Livestock, Irrigation and Fishing, Mr. Wilfred Longronyang, said through mango farming, farmers will get cash to cater for themselves and their families.

Longronyang said there is need for diversification in farming activities for sustainable development.

"The county has embarked on a programme to promote mangoes farming as an alternative and sustainable source of income for the local community," explained the CECM.

He said the mango trees have a lifespan of over 50 years and is able to produce fruits until the late stages of its life cycle.

"We want to attract farmers to try their fortune in mango farming for their livelihoods. We have recommended the ngowe and kent mango varieties because they are early maturing and high yielding," he said.

Longronyang said the county is targeting to establish over 50,000 mango seedlings, and so far have distributed 15,000 free mango seedlings benefiting around 400 families from the programme.

"We have taken advantage of the current rainy season to procure and distribute 15,000 mango tree seedlings for farmers to plant and increase their fortune," he said.

He said that the county has a plan to make the mango processing factory in Lomut ward active which is why they are encouraging more farmers to plant mango trees for the factory to have the raw materials for processing.

He disclosed that the project is a partnership between the county government and the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) and is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and profitability in the region.

He said the kind of mango tree seedlings they have distributed are grafted, and they want farmers to plant them because they grow faster and can yield fruit in a few years, unlike the indigenous mango trees.

"Mango tree farming is good for parents who have school-going children who are in need of school fees since its income allows the parent to have school fees and money for their upkeep through the sale of fruits, which are very expensive."

He advised farmers to nurture the mango seedlings, for they can make decent cash from farming businesses.

Longronyang said the county government will find markets locally and abroad for the mango fruits.

Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) county project coordinator Philip Ting’aa reiterated that by planting mango trees, residents will be able to boost their food and nutrition security since mango fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, among other benefits to the body.

"We want to fight malnutrition, hunger, poverty, and improve food security in the region, and through our programs in KCSAP, we encouraged farmers to try their fortune in farming crops that would earn more income, create jobs, and improve livelihoods," Ting’aa explained.

He said, "Through the sale of mango fruits, farmers will be able to generate income, thus helping to reduce poverty levels through the creation of employment."

Ting’aa further said that mangoes refresh the environment through the absorption of carbon dioxide, help prevent soil erosion, and enhance the beauty of the environment.

He went on: "The mango tree provides habitat to various animals, including insects, birds, and wildlife."

The coordinator said the mango trees are more resistant, can survive with limited water, and are best suited for arid and semi-arid areas.

He said the fruit tree is good for mitigating the effects of climate change because it helps to remove carbon dioxide from the air by restoring natural ecosystems, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

He said trees add beauty to our homes through their green forest cover dotted with fruits.

Ting’aa said we can overcome the effects of climate change by addressing agricultural activities and building resilience.

The project coordinator disclosed that the farmers will have access to water for irrigation under the Sh.45 million Kikin Irrigation Project funded by Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project.

“This irrigation project is situated in Tamugh Location and is expected to benefit 300 households where assorted crops such as green grams, mangoes, pawpaws, maize, beans and onions will be grown,” revealed Ting’aa.

The programme will eventually lead to improved food security, increased household incomes and enhanced nutrition; said the coordinator.

Courtesy ; K. N. A