EMBU: Various farmer groups in Mwea Ward, Embu County, have received certified seeds and fertilizers worth Sh12.5 million from the County Government to boost agricultural productivity during the short rains planting season. The support is aimed at enhancing food security and income for farmers in the semi-arid, drought-affected region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Government’s donation, under the Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP), was distributed to 17 farmer groups comprising 394 members. The inputs include green grams, cowpeas seeds, planting fertilizers, and soil amendments to regulate soil pH levels. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower farmers with resources necessary for maximizing yields despite challenges posed by poor rainfall.
Agriculture CEC John Nyaga, while overseeing the distribution at Karaba Market, stressed the importance of planting certified, fast-maturing crops to counteract the effects of inadequate rainfall. He highlighted that the county has als
o trained farmers on best practices to utilize the limited rainfall effectively. The seeds, sourced from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), have the potential to produce up to eight bags per acre, doubling the yield of conventional seeds.
Nyaga further encouraged farmers to organize into groups to benefit from government programs, as current strategies focus on assisting collectives rather than individuals. Farmers expressed optimism about achieving better yields and financial returns. Gregory Nzomo, a recipient, anticipated increased production and income from selling surplus crops, advising fellow farmers to adhere to agricultural officers’ guidelines for optimal results.