Maize planting activity in Trans Nzoia County received a boost following distribution of free seeds to vulnerable farmers by the devolved unit.
Area Governor George Natembeya presided over the launch at Nabiswa Ward in Kiminini Sub County on Sunday.
The programme targets a total of 100,000 vulnerable farmers who are spread in all the 25 wards.
“The overall objective of this programme is to not only increase acreage of land under maize crop in the County, but more importantly to enable the government address the problem of food shortage,” explained Natembeya.
The Governor hailed the national government for the subsided fertiliser programme, observing it had enabled most farmers in the region to access the crucial farming commodity.
“Many of our people are impoverished because they cannot afford fertiliser and seeds. These initiatives, both by county and national governments, are intended to assist such farmers engage in meaningful farming activity and at the end improve their living standards,” remarked the County boss.
He cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the freely acquired WH605 maize variety, which was supplied by Western Seed Company in conjunction with the devolved unit.
The Governor was accompanied by the CEC for Agriculture Phanice Khatundi.
By Maurice Aluda