Farmers urged to take advantage of short rains

As the short rainy season continues to be experienced across many parts of the country, the Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Agriculture, Edwin Seroney, has called upon farmers in the region, to take advantage of the rains by planting crops that can be harvested within a few months.

“I want to urge all the county’s residents to make use of the available rainwater and go to the farms,” Seroney emphasised.

He highlighted the importance of utilising this period to plant crops that would yield results quickly, ensuring food security and income generation for the local communities.

Seroney also stressed the significance of the county’s ongoing wealth creation policy, a strategy launched by the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to encourage residents to engage in agribusiness.

“Through the wealth creation policy, we are enabling farmers to venture into commercial farming, such as growing pyrethrum, coffee, avocados, mangoes, and sorghum, among others. This initiative aims to transform the lives of our residents by putting money in their pockets and helping them fight poverty,” he noted.

He further elaborated on the county’s agricultural zoning strategy, explaining how different regions are being supported to cultivate specific crops.

“We have good water catchment as a County, with most of the water flowing into the valley. Through the Department and our annual development plan, we have managed to set aside funds for avocado farming in the upper regions of the county. Meanwhile, the lower regions, particularly the Kerio Valley, are suitable for growing mangoes, sorghum, Nyota beans, and soya,” said Seroney.

The upper regions of the county, he added, are focused on cultivating coffee, avocados, pyrethrum, Irish potatoes, French beans, and Nyota beans.

Seroney acknowledged the growing acceptance of the wealth creation policy among farmers, noting that many have embraced it not only to secure food for their families, but also to produce a surplus for commercial purposes.

In addition to encouraging farmers to capitalise on the rainy season, Seroney also urged parents, to involve the younger generation in agricultural activities.

“Parents should give the youth a portion of land to engage in commercial farming. They can plant vegetables, green grams, avocados, and many other crops. The income they generate will uplift their lives,” he emphasised.

He concluded that with the County government’s ongoing support and the community’s active participation, Elgeyo Marakwet is on a path towards sustainable agricultural development, aiming to improve the livelihoods of its residents through enhanced food production and income generation.

Source: KNA