A non-governmental organization has donated farm inputs worth Sh6.75 million to farmers in North Gem ward, Siaya county.
Speaking during the distribution of the inputs, Mentors International Kenya team led by director Erick Onyango and Evans Ojwang’ said 300 farmers from across all the sub locations in the area will each receive inputs enough to take care of one-acre piece of land.
Director Onyango said each of the farmers has been given five, two-kilogram packets of certified maize seeds, a bag each of planting fertilizer and top dressing as well as liquid fertilizer booster, all valued at Sh22,500/=.
Speaking at Malanga assistant chief’s office during the distribution of the inputs, Onyango said that each of the farmers is expected to harvest between 20 to 30 bags of maize.
“This should be sufficient to feed a family and remain with the surplus that can be taken to the market for the family to get money and pay school fees for the children” he said.
Mentors International official, Evans Ojwang’ said the organization has been working with the community to fight poverty and food insecurity in the area.
“We hold your hand today and next season, we go to another person” he said adding that the aim is to have a community that is self-reliant.
Malunga sub location assistant chief, Millicent Auma Otieno hailed the organization, adding that the initiative has helped 66 farmers in her area.
“We are happy with this programme. It is helping us eradicate food insecurity” she said ad welcomed more philanthropic organisations to the area.
Beneficiaries Joash Choka and mama Risper Awino Elisha said they were ready to put into action the training they have got from the organization so as to boost agricultural production in the area.
By Philip Onyango
