In an effort to boost agricultural productivity and household incomes, the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet is offering farm inputs to local residents.
County has intensified efforts to promote production through the distribution of 60,000 coffee seedlings and close to 900 bags of certified potato seeds to farmers across several wards in the county.
The exercise, being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture under the county’s agricultural empowerment programme, targets farmers in Cherangany/Chebororwa, Sambirir, Kapyego, Chepkorio, Kamariny, Tambach and Kapchemutwa wards.
The programme seeks to strengthen food security, promote commercial agriculture and improve livelihoods by providing farmers with quality farm inputs.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Agriculture Chief Officer Edwin Komen said the county government was committed to empowering farmers through increased access to certified planting materials and modern farming technologies.
“We are distributing certified coffee seedlings and potato seeds to ensure our farmers increase productivity and improve the quality of their produce. Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and the county government is determined to support farmers through practical empowerment programmes,” said Komen.
He noted that coffee farming has significant economic potential for the county and urged farmers to embrace improved agronomic practices in order to maximise yields and enhance earnings.
Komen further said the county was investing in agriculture as a long-term strategy to address food insecurity and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
“We want farmers to view agriculture as a business. Through access to quality farm inputs, extension services and market linkages, we are creating sustainable economic opportunities that will uplift livelihoods across the county,” he added.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock Development Edwin Kibor said they are keen on revitalising key agricultural value chains to stimulate rural economic growth.
“The county government is investing heavily in agriculture because it directly supports the majority of our residents. By distributing certified seeds and seedlings, we are laying a strong foundation for increased production, food security and higher household incomes,” said Kibor.
He observed that coffee farming was steadily gaining momentum in the county due to increased support from the county administration and rising market demand for quality produce.
Kibor added that the county government would continue partnering with agricultural stakeholders and extension officers to ensure farmers access technical support, quality inputs and improved farming methods.
Residents who benefited from the programme welcomed the initiative, saying the farm inputs would help lower production costs and improve crop yields during the planting season.
The county government has continued to roll out various farmer support initiatives, including seed distribution programmes, extension services and promotion of climate smart agriculture in a bid to strengthen food security and improve economic resilience among farming communities in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
by Rennish Okong’o
