Youths Urged to Venture Into Agriculture-PS Kimtai

PS, State Department of Livestock. Ministry of Agriculture Harry Kimtai has called on youths to venture into Agriculture.

Speaking during the University of Eldoret Agribusiness Trade Fair 2022 who’s theme is ‘enhancing food security through technology, in innovation and trade for sustainable development Kimutia said this will help in the creation of employment.

“I am calling upon youths across the country to practice Agriculture since there are many friendly technologies which are friendly to them. It will also help in job creation which has been a big problem among the youths,” said PS Kimtai.

He said the average age of farmers across the Country is 60 years therefore youths need to venture into Agriculture.

“As the Agriculture ministry, we are going to work with the youths to enable them to make sure that they uptake the programs such as incubation programs that we have created so that it brings more youths into agriculture,” he added.

“The average age of the farmers is around 60 years and if you don’t bring youths into agriculture then challenges will be the youthfulness, energy, innovations, and technology our farmers are old and we need the youths to use the technology,” he added.
He said Agriculture is a sector that has not been tapped and youths should take advantage of it instead of only depending on white-collar jobs.

“We have seen how youths are benefiting hugely from practicing Agriculture where they have started value addition which the Ministry has been advocating for to increase their income and employ themselves,” he said.
“A student from the University of Eldoret has just confessed that she doesn’t need employment because she is in self-employment and she is happy because the product is selling,”

He called on farmers to use new technology to enhance food production and ensure food security.

“We expect now with the support of the government is providing in terms of fertilizer subsidy they will be able to use the technology they have acquired in terms of research universities have undertaken, technologies to increase their productivity,” he said.

PS Kimtai applauded the University of Eldoret for holding the Agribusiness Trade Fair 2022

“I take this opportunity to thank the university of Eldoret for organizing such an event with the theme of ‘enhancing food security through technology, innovation, and trade for sustainable development. We know the history of this show for the last fifteen years,” he said.

“Recently because of the coronavirus they could not go on with the event but we are very happy that they have embarked after the relaxation of the coronavirus protocols they are now able to bring farmers and exhibitors with various innovations in the market where the farmers are able to get in touch with the innovations,” he added.

Dr. Archer Arina member University of Eldoret Council member representing the chairman said the University is committed to holding the Agribusiness Trade Fair.

“This activity is the 15th event and we are committed because we are educating farmers on the best and new technologies to improve their yield and we will continue with it,” he said.

He said universities are being encouraged to come up with income-generating activities and this is part of the activities is one of the income generating activities.