Over 1,000 farmers in Shamata Ward, Ndaragwa Sub-County, Nyandarua County, have benefited from a county government initiative that seeks to enhance agricultural productivity ahead of the planting season.
The programme, which involved the distribution of farm inputs, is part of broader efforts by the county administration to support farmers, improve food security, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the exercise, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha said sustainable development that upholds the dignity of communities can only be realized through targeted interventions and farmer empowerment.
Badilisha noted that the county’s focus on both established and emerging agricultural value chains is already yielding positive results, including improved household incomes, better nutrition, and enhanced resilience among farming communities.
He added that such interventions are positioning Nyandarua as a key agricultural hub, contributing to food security while stimulating growth in cooperatives and related trade sectors.
“Today we have issued onion, carrot, and maize seeds because these crops perform well in this region. We are urging farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains to ensure adequate food production in the county and the country at large,” said the governor.
At the same time, Badilisha called on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to allow controlled farming activities within designated forest areas to support afforestation efforts.
He urged the agency to end alleged harassment of farmers, noting that similar arrangements have been successfully implemented in other regions.
According to the governor, granting Nyandarua farmers access to such programmes would not only boost agricultural output but also contribute to environmental conservation.
He further assured farmers that they will continue to benefit from subsidized fertilizer, access to credit through cooperatives, and crop diversification programmes rolled out by the county government.
By Antony Mwangi
