Arror ward: Farmers in three irrigation schemes in Arror ward along the Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet county, are set to earn Sh73 million from the sale of sorghum and maize seeds.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county executive for agriculture, Edwin Kibor, announced that farmers at the 400 acres Chepkum irrigation scheme will receive Sh22 million from the Kenya Seed Company after selling maize seeds, which they harvested in the first planting season.
Kibor further explained that the same farmers are anticipated to earn Sh20 million after receiving 2 tonnes of the seredo sorghum variety for this planting season. The seredo variety is favored by farmers in the area due to its resistance to bird damage. During a ceremony where seeds were handed over to the Chepkum farmers cooperative society, Kibor emphasized that with proper management, farmers are expected to harvest 520 metric tonnes of sorghum, resulting in Sh20 million in earnings.
The agricultural officer of Arror ward, Justus Kemboi, revealed that farmers in the Kamsiwet irrigation scheme would earn Sh15 million, while those in the Kabanon-Kapkamak scheme are projected to receive Sh16 million from sorghum sales. Kibor highlighted that with peace returning to Kerio Valley, farmers who had fled due to conflict are now returning to resume farming activities.
Kibor stated, "The Kerio Valley is quite productive and with irrigation, the area has the capacity to feed the country." He noted that currently, farmers do not require fertiliser due to the soil's natural productivity, but acknowledged that with increased planting frequencies, the use of fertiliser will become necessary to maintain soil fertility.
He commended the farmers for adopting contract farming, which ensures a guaranteed market for their produce.