More than 3,000 farmers from across Elgeyo Marakwet County convened at the Chebara Agricultural Training Center for the third edition of the County’s Agricultural Exhibition and Farmers’ Field Day.
Organised by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the exhibition is designed to enhance knowledge transfer on modern agronomic practices, promote value chain development and improve the quality and productivity of key agricultural commodities such as coffee, livestock, and horticultural crops.
The forum also provides a platform for technology dissemination, capacity building and market linkage between farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The event attracted over 50 exhibitors drawn from agribusiness enterprises, research institutions and development partners.
Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek commended the farmers for their high turnout and willingness to adopt contemporary agricultural innovations, as she emphasised the importance of applying the acquired technical knowledge to improve farm efficiency, enhance production, and increase income generation.
“I have gone round and I am encouraged by how our farmers have come in large numbers. This demonstrates their readiness to embrace climate-smart and data-driven farming technologies. I urge them to translate what they have learned today into practical solutions that will transform their farms into sustainable enterprises,” said Prof. Cheserek.
During the event, farmers accessed and purchased various farm inputs, including certified seeds, agrochemicals and improved forage varieties, such as Pokchong Napier grass, which are critical in enhancing soil fertility, livestock nutrition, and overall farm productivity.
Selly Kimeli, a dairy farmer from Kapsowar expressed her appreciation for the availability of improved grass varieties.
“I was not ready when the county was distributing the grass last time,” she said, adding that she managed to purchase Pokchong Napier grass at the exhibition and would establish plots to plant it immediately to take advantage of the ongoing rains.
Similarly, Benson Kibet from Kaptarakwa highlighted the importance of the exhibition in diversifying farming systems.
“I am going home a different person. The demonstrations showed that we can integrate multiple enterprises on our farms. As a sheep farmer, I was particularly impressed by the high-quality Corriedale breeds exhibited from the county farm in Labot,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Edwin Kibor, stated that the Farmers’ Field Day will henceforth be conducted on a rotational basis across the sub-counties to ensure equitable access to agricultural technologies and extension services.
He underscored the importance of maintaining genetic integrity and crop health through the use of certified seeds and regulated agro-inputs.
“You have seen from the demonstrations how certified seeds outperform recycled varieties,” Kibor said. “Let us avoid using uncertified inputs, as they compromise productivity and quality. Certified seeds are not only high-yielding but also disease- and drought-resistant.”
Agriculture Chief Officer Edwin Komen urged private investors and agribusiness players to exploit the county’s favorable agro-ecological conditions for investment in value addition, agro-processing, and market expansion.
“Elgeyo Marakwet presents a conducive environment for agribusiness growth. We welcome investors to introduce precision agriculture, mechanization and digital platforms that link farmers to markets and financing,” he said.
Representing the private sector, Laban Kipchirchir from Akwai Fresh Limited, a firm engaged in the avocado value chain, noted a surge in farmer interest in high-value crops such as avocado, citing their profitability and export potential.
“I spoke to several farmers today and the level of interest is impressive,” Kipchirchir remarked.
“Avocado farming offers huge market prospects both locally and internationally. We are ready to support farmers in training, certification, and aggregation to ensure quality export standards,” he said.
The field day brought together farmers from all 20 wards, sub-county and ward administrators and agricultural extension officers, marking a collaborative effort to mainstream technology adoption, climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness development in Elgeyo Marakwet County’s agricultural agenda.
By Rennish Okong’o
