North Rift Farmers Treated With a Day-Long Agri-Business Expo

Farmers from the North Rift were treated with a day-long agri-business expo that showcased diverse agricultural practices.

The practices included planting to marketing of different farm produce.

The event was held at the Eldoret National Polytechnic.

According to the TENP Chief Principal Charles Koech farmers present were able to learn how to prevent their crops and animals from being infected by pests and diseases and also manage post-harvest losses.

“This event at our institution serves as a platform to showcase farmers’ agricultural achievements and stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and commitment to ensuring sustainable livelihoods through agriculture,” the Chief Principal said.
He said the agri-business expo illustrated the agricultural process from planting to marketing of different farming produce.
“Farmers in attendance had an opportunity to learn on land preparation, seed placement, protection of crops against pests and diseases, harvesting and also managing post-harvest losses,” he added.

“We thank the farmers for coming and to learn, we therefore need to see some changes in agriculture from the skills they have acquired from this expo,” noted Gerald Masila the Executive Director from Eastern Africa Grain Council.

Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii said the expo provides an excellent platform for our farmer-based cooperatives to create connections with various experts and practitioners in the agricultural industry, including the private sector, government, and development partners.

He noted that his administration is keen on enhancing food security, increasing market access for agricultural products, and building resilience to climate change.

“I take note of this year’s agribusiness expo theme, “Climate Smart Technologies and Practices for Sustainable Food Systems,” which contributes to my administration’s plan guided by Nguzo Kumi to provide a high quality of life to our residents through good governance, innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development,” he added.

Governor Bii said his ultimate goal is to modernize agriculture, facilitate trade, and bolster capacity to adapt to the ever-shifting climate patterns.

“North Rift Economic Bloc has witnessed impressive production in cereal crops owing to the prompt provision of subsidized fertilizer and timely land preparation. This move has seen our farmers anticipate a bumper harvest with an estimate of 5.5 million bags of maize, up from 4.5 million realized last year in Uasin Gishu,” he noted.