The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, has urged farmers to embrace crop diversification as the government intensifies reforms aimed at transforming the agricultural sector.
Speaking during a fundraising mass held at St. Francis Katanin Church in Mosop Sub-county, Nandi County, Dr Ronoh said the government is encouraging farmers to move beyond traditional crops and adopt high-value alternatives such as coffee, macadamia and avocado to improve household incomes.
He noted that the government is implementing extensive agricultural reforms to boost production and steer the country towards food self-sufficiency, adding that diversification is a key pillar of the reform agenda.
The Principal Secretary directed the Managing Director of Kenya Seed Company, Sammy Chepsiror, to ensure that certified seeds and other farm inputs are readily available across all depots as farmers enter the planting season, saying access to quality inputs is critical to successful diversification.
He further addressed challenges facing tea farmers, revealing that his office has received an audit report on the Tea Farmers Association of Kenya and will move to implement the recommended reforms.
He assured farmers that the government has heard public concerns over tea prices and is working to stabilize the market.
On the sugarcane sector, the Principal Secretary said reforms will be rolled out to enhance market access for farmers and improve road infrastructure in producing areas to ease transportation and reduce post-harvest losses.
He called on the County Government, under the leadership of Governor Stephen Sang, to support farmers through extension services and awareness campaigns that promote crop diversification and adoption of emerging high-value crops.
The PS further by urged farmers to begin early land preparation, including digging planting holes in readiness for the April planting season, noting that timely preparation would help farmers maximize yields and take full advantage of the ongoing reforms.
The event was graced by high level National and County Government officials including the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen, Nandi Governor, Stephen Sang among other officials.
By Geoffrey Satia & Josline Chepkkorir
