Over 5,000 Sunflower, Simsim and nut farmers are set to benefit from the launch and commissioning of a maiden edible oil processing plant in Mpeketoni, aimed at boosting their income through value addition during the processing stage of their harvest.
The factory was launched as a result of a collaboration between the Lamu County Government and the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) to install an edible oil processing machine that will create agricultural value addition and open new opportunities for farmers by boosting local production.
Speaking during the unveiling of the edible oil processing machine at Mpeketoni’s Agricultural Technology Development Centre, Lamu Chief Executive (CEC) for Agriculture James Gichu stated that the move to install the edible oil processing plant is a game changer that is likely to increase the capacity of farmers who partake in growing crops that produce edible oils.
The Machine will process sunflower, simsim, and peanuts through pressing, purification, packaging, and branding, thus enabling farmers to add value to their produce.
“With a capacity to process five tonnes per day, this innovation represents a huge leap forward from the previous 500 kg daily output that the farmers used to process manually before the introduction of the machine,” Gichu stated.
“This machine is a game-changer for our farmers. With the capacity to process up to five tonnes daily, we now have the ability to add real value to sunflower, simsim, and peanuts grown here in Lamu, urging farmers to take advantage of the opportunity by planting more oil crops so that together we can maximise production and increase incomes,” said the CECM.
He further reiterated that the production of affordable, locally made edible oil, will also help reduce the cost of living for Lamu residents, who have been dependent on imported edible oils
Gichu further thanked the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate for their support and lauded the national government for its Bottom-Up approach and pillar to empower farmers and transform agriculture in the country.
Sentiments echoed by Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) representative Ann Gikonyo, who stated that the national government is keen to support farmers, enhance agricultural value addition, reduce the cost of living, and drive the country’s food security forward through such initiatives.
By Amenya Ochieng
