By Tony Wafula, Bungoma
Bungoma County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Irrigation and Cooperatives Herbert Kibunguchy says that lack of soil testing among farmers greatly affects the government’s food security target.
Speaking at Lungai primary in Tongaren on Saturday during the distribution of the subsidy farm inputs to the farmers, Kibunguchy rallied farmers to ensure that they test their soil before embarking on planting.
He reported that 22,500 farmers in Bungoma will benefit with the subsidy farm inputs.
“The reason why farmers do not get 100 percent crop harvest is because they have neglected the soil testing aspect, it is vital as it informs the farmer the type of crops that would do well on their farms,” Kibunguchy stated.
The CEC added that long use of in-organic fertilizers on the farm affects the soil, revealing that his department has partnered with other organizations to ensure that farmers test their soils.
Further, Kibunguchy urged farmers to practice crop diversification, adding that the county and other stakeholders have organized a farmers’ field day at Mabanga Agricultural Training College in June where new farming technologies would be showcased.
“This farmers’ field day will offer an avenue for the farmers across the County to learn new farming technologies,” he affirmed.
He also asked farmers to grow Hass Avocado saying that the new species is attracting markets globally.
“This type of Avocado takes three years to manure and produces 500 avocadoes annually, “he said.
The County’s Governor Kenneth Lusaka who was present at the distribution event urged farmers to make the most of the free farm inputs to enhance food security in the region.
“The success of this program depends on how well farmers utilize these inputs. We want to ensure food sustainability for our county,” Lusaka stated.
Under the initiative, The Ford Kenya Governor reported that each vetted farmer receives 10kg of maize seeds and 50kg of fertilizer to boost agricultural productivity.
Lusaka also called on the County Assembly to increase funding for the program in the next financial year to expand its reach.
“Currently, we are supporting 500 farmers per ward. With additional resources, we can increase this number to 700, ensuring more farmers benefit,” he added.
The distribution program is part of the county’s broader efforts to support small-scale farmers and promote food security.
