NAROK: Farmers in Narok North Sub County have received a significant boost with the distribution of over 14,000 kilograms of free sunflower seeds provided by the National government. This initiative aims to diversify crop cultivation in the county and reduce the hefty Sh. 117 billion annual cost of importing edible oils.
According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution was launched at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) by Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the potential to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported edible oil by tapping into the fertile soils of Narok, which are suitable for sunflower cultivation. Governor Ntutu encouraged the county’s predominantly agricultural population to adopt sunflower farming, noting its dual benefits, including the provision of high-protein sunflower feed cake for livestock after oil extraction.
Approximately 2,000 farmers have already registered to receive the seeds, which are planned for planting
across 4,000 acres. The governor stressed the importance of agriculture extension officers in educating farmers on effective sunflower farming practices, especially as the region enters the short rains season, urging farmers to utilize the free seedlings.
Narok County Director of Agriculture Mr. Bernard Kimento pointed out that sunflower seeds thrive in regions conducive to maize cultivation, such as Cis-Mara, suggesting a promising start for the pilot phase of this project.
Farmers expressed their appreciation for the government’s support, which also includes providing affordable fertilizer. However, they raised concerns about potential challenges, such as the threat posed by quelea birds. Narok Wheat Farmers Association Treasurer Nicholas Njoroge called for county government intervention to manage these threats and requested additional educational sessions to better understand the requirements and benefits of sunflower farming.
Farmer Ole Teeka praised the initiative and urged fellow farmers to consider
sunflowers as a viable alternative crop. The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Narok County Commissioner Kipkoech Lotiatia and Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech.