BARINGO—Local leaders in Baringo have urged residents to adopt cash crop farming as part of a broader government effort to transform agricultural practices across the country. The call was made during a recent event at KSG Baringo for the dissemination of the Medium Term Plan IV (MTP IV), which aims to shift agricultural focus from subsistence to commercial farming.

According to Kenya News Agency, Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui and Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, the move towards cash crops such as coffee and cotton is seen as a vital step towards increasing local income and economic stability. Chelugui highlighted the national government’s commitment to supporting this transition through investment and developmental programs, specifically noting the potential of Baringo to become a major producer of coffee and cotton in the region.

Chelugui announced that the national government will collaborate with county governments to ensure the successful implementation of these agricultural transformations, with a particular emphasis on creating value chains and enhancing production capacities. He outlined a plan to increase coffee production in Baringo from 51 metric tonnes to 200 metric tonnes and confirmed a Sh100 million investment into revitalizing the cotton industry, which will include improvements to the ginning process.

Governor Cheboi detailed the county’s strategic initiatives to diversify agricultural production to include not only coffee and cotton but also sisal, macadamia, and mangoes. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for farmers through improved infrastructure and technical assistance, and highlighted the necessity of establishing robust markets for these cash crops to ensure farmers can effectively sell their products.

Additionally, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum addressed the importance of market creation, assuring that farmers would have reliable outlets for their products. Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai spoke on broader governmental focuses, including the establishment of a new livestock training institute in Mogotio, Baringo, with a planned budget of Sh150 million.

This concerted effort by both national and local government leaders underlines a significant push towards modernizing agriculture in Baringo, encouraging residents to engage in cash crop production as a means to enhance both personal and regional economic growth.