The Nakuru County Government has intensified its grassroots sustainable agriculture initiatives aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes and strengthening food security for households that rely on farming as their primary economic activity.
Speaking during a Farmers’ Field Day in Kamara Ward, Kuresoi North Sub-County, Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor emphasized the county’s commitment to promoting safe and responsible farming practices. The event was organized by AAK-GROW in partnership with Starlight Farmers’ Cooperative Society under the stewardship of Mashinani Initiative, guided by the theme “Safe and Responsible Handling of Pest Control Products: A Key to Food Safety and Food Security.”
With the area being a leading potato-producing region, the field day focused on equipping farmers in the potato value chain with essential knowledge on the safe handling of pest control products. Farmers were sensitized on buying pesticides from PCPB-licensed agrovets, proper transport and storage of chemicals, adherence to label instructions, observing pre-harvest intervals, using personal protective equipment (PPE), engaging spray service providers, understanding exposure risks, and safe disposal of empty pesticide containers.
Bor encouraged farmers to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce overreliance on conventional pesticides. They were also trained on best planting techniques, including intercropping for soil fertility, efficient use of agricultural inputs, and proper seed and harvest storage using diffuse light stores.
“As a county, we remain committed to promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable farming. Days like this remind us that food safety begins at the farm—in the choices farmers make and the knowledge they apply. When we handle pest control products correctly, embrace integrated pest management, and adopt good agricultural practices, we protect our soils, crops, and health while securing the future of food production in Nakuru,” Bor said.
He applauded partnering organizations and farmers for their dedication and urged continued collaboration to build a safer and more productive potato value chain.
aak-GROW/CropLife Kenya, one of the key partners, continues to champion sustainable agriculture and food security. The organization brings together stakeholders in the pest control sector, including producers, manufacturers, importers, formulators, distributors, and users of pest control products.
“It is important to practice farming with care for the environment, plants, and animals,” noted farmer Mercy Wathaka.
Other partners present included Syngenta, Bayer EA, Corteva Agriscience, Osho Chemicals, Botachem, Twiga Chemicals, CKL Africa, OCP, EA Seed, the National Potato Council of Kenya, CGA, and Baraka College.
by Absalom Namwalo
