Raila Odinga Advocates for Sustainable Agriculture in Siaya County

SIAYA — During an Agricultural Expo in Siaya County, which saw the gathering of various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including Azimio politicians and local farmers, Raila Odinga emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture. The event, aimed at fostering dialogue and showcasing innovations, attracted a diverse group of participants, from cotton to chicken farmers, underlining the county’s agricultural diversity and potential.

According to Kenya News Agency, the key to sustainability lies in addressing land security and promoting the consolidation of land to achieve economies of scale in farming. He highlighted the critical role of small-scale farmers in the region and called for strategic planning to ensure their practices can be sustainable over the long term. “Food security is crucial for supporting a growing population,” Odinga remarked, underscoring the need for self-sufficiency in food production.

The former Prime Minister applauded the Siaya county government’s efforts to support local farmers, such as making tractors available for hire at affordable rates, which enables timely planting. He also praised the collaboration with seed companies to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds, a move that promises to enhance agricultural output.

Echoing Odinga’s sentiments, Siaya Governor James Orengo outlined his administration’s commitment to elevating the county’s economic status through agriculture and the blue economy. Orengo announced plans to install a cotton milling machine in Madiany, Rarieda sub-county, aiming to boost the local cotton industry. Additionally, he highlighted the success of a recent initiative in the rice milling sector, where a Sh60 million investment in a rice milling plant at Siriwo has significantly reduced production costs for local rice farmers by eliminating the need to process their rice outside the county.

These developments mark a concerted effort by Siaya’s leadership to harness agriculture’s potential as a cornerstone of economic development and sustainability.