Trans Nzoia County to Employ 160 Agricultural Extension Officers to Enhance Farming Skills
In a bid to support local farmers and improve agricultural practices, the Trans Nzoia County administration has announced plans to employ 160 agricultural extension officers in the current financial year. Governor George Natembeya made this announcement during a public forum held at the KALRO, Coffee Research Institute (CRI) to educate coffee farmers on best farming practices.
Governor Natembeya emphasized the need to equip and train the extension officers to ensure their effectiveness in delivering their duties. He highlighted the county’s fertile soil, particularly suitable for coffee farming, and expressed his administration’s commitment to working closely with farmers to enhance crop production.
To further boost the coffee sector, the governor instructed the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) in installing a new coffee milling machine, with the county providing the necessary land. This move is expected to enable farmers to add value to their coffee produce.
The Governor also announced the provision of subsidies for coffee seedlings, aiming to encourage more residents to venture into coffee farming. He urged residents to take coffee farming seriously, as it has the potential to alleviate poverty. Furthermore, he encouraged diversification of crops among residents to broaden their sources of income.
The governor called upon the KPCU to streamline the coffee sector and prevent cartels from undermining its progress. He expressed concerns about the county’s economy, which has been heavily reliant on maize farming, leading to stagnation.
Phanice Khatundi, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, affirmed her department’s commitment to working closely with farmers, acknowledging that the county’s economy heavily relies on agriculture. Khatundi mentioned that farmers would be trained on new farming techniques to ensure the production of high-quality coffee, which, in turn, would fetch better prices for farmers.
Timothy Miriugi, the Managing Director of the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union, encouraged farmers to join the union and apply for the Cherry Fund to receive support in developing their trade. He assured farmers of the government’s dedication to assisting them, noting that ongoing reforms at the national level would greatly contribute to increased production.
The public forum was well-attended by farmers from the county, including prominent figures like Sirwo Farm Director Kiprono Kittony. Kittony urged the county to proactively support farmers in boosting their production, highlighting that the county’s coffee was renowned for its high quality and commanded premium prices in the international market.
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