Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has urged residents to embrace modern farming practices and government-subsidized farm inputs to increase food production and enhance household food security amid unpredictable weather patterns.
Speaking during a food distribution exercise to the elderly at Musokoto DEP Primary School, Omanyo said agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods in Busia County and called on farmers to prioritize food crop production instead of relying on relief food.
“Many times, unpredictable weather patterns have affected food production in our county. Agriculture is the pillar of many livelihoods, and we must ensure stable food production to sustain our families. We cannot depend on relief food forever,” she said.
She encouraged farmers to take advantage of government programmes that provide subsidized farm inputs, saying affordable seeds and fertilizer are key to improving agricultural production.
“The government is providing subsidized fertilizer and maize seeds through the National Cereals and Produce Board at lower prices than agro vet shops. This is meant to enable farmers to access quality inputs and increase food production for their families,” she said.
Omanyo also defended the government’s affordable housing programme, arguing that it would help reduce excessive land subdivision and preserve more land for farming, thereby supporting long-term food security.
“We have seen that land subdivision is done daily at a family level. This is causing a decrease in space for farming. We are supporting affordable housing so that a small unit of land can hold a large number of people, providing space for the farming activities that will ensure the food security for our people. “She said.
She announced that construction of the Sh55 million Igara Sports Academy Stadium will begin next week, saying the project will also improve roads and electricity connectivity in the area.
“Next week, the engineer has assured me that he will be on ground to start the construction of the Igara Sports Academy stadium that will cost Sh 55 million. This will help our learners from this said area together with the community at large. This will also come with the improvement of road and electricity in this area from the government.” She said
She further urged residents to support government development programmes and avoid being misled by leaders opposing initiatives such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying such programmes are intended to improve the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
Msokoto Division Assistant County Commissioner Daniel Ruto cautioned farmers against selling their maize immediately after harvest, warning that low yields and declining production in major grain-producing counties could lead to food shortages.
“We have not harvested enough this season. Production in Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu has been affected, and if we fail to protect the little we have, we may face hunger. Do not rush to sell your harvest because weather patterns remain unpredictable,” Ruto said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
