Ps Harsama Launches Biograde an insecticide to fight the Golden Apple Snail
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock represented by Principal Secretary, Crop Develpment, Mr. Kello Harsama, launched Biograde, an insecticide to fight the Golden Apple snail that has been a menace at Mwea rice production field.
The Principal Secretary emphasized the commitment of the government to assist farmers and ensure food security.
The CEO , Pest Control products Board Dr Esther Kimani Emphasized the need for farmers protect themselves when using pesticides for their safety.
Farmers were encouraged to always read the labels on the containers while using pest control products.
Accompanying the PS were the Chairman Senate Agriculture committee, Senator Kamau Murango and other Senior County and National government officers.
The Principal Secretary noted:”Today, I launched the invasive apple snails Pilot control operation in Mwea rice scheme, Kirinyaga County. We’ll use Biograde Pesticide to manage and control the snail population that’s affects rice crops from spreading to other rice growing areas.The Ministry has already procured 20,000 liters of this product to mitigate against this migratory pest .
Rice is a vital crop in Kenya and ranks third among cereals and priotize under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).The Ministry is implemented the National Rice Development Strategy Phase 2 (2018-2030) to enhance production , decrease grain loss, raise farmer income, and improve food and nutrition security.
The Ministry is promoting adoption of high yielding varieties of rice such as Komboka which produce upto 40 bags of 50kg per acres.
The Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) and county extension staff will work together to monitor the success of this pilot control operations for Golden apple snail.
Was joined by Deputy governor David Githanda,Senator Murango James,Jane Njeri Maina ,Mwea MP Mary Maingi and MCAs from the county.”
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