Makueni: Farmers in Makueni County have been advised to take advantage of the ongoing Agricultural show at Makindu town and learn new technologies, with a view to improving food production in the area. Makueni County Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili emphasized the importance of adopting emerging agricultural technologies, as well as new varieties of maize, pigeon peas, and sorghum to enhance farm productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mulili highlighted that farmers could achieve significant profits by implementing these new technologies and using certified seeds, as recommended by local agricultural officers. She encouraged the residents to attend the show as a family and apply the knowledge gained. Mulili officially opened the Agricultural show, which is set to conclude on Saturday, and stressed the benefits of utilizing the right technologies and certified seeds from the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to realize profits in less than five months.
The deputy governor also pointed out the opportunity for farmers to interact with farm input producers at the show and learn about proper chemical usage. She assured that the government would allocate sufficient funds for such exhibitions annually to help local farmers enhance food security.
This year's Makindu agriculture show carries the theme 'Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture.' Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, who also spoke at the event, acknowledged the county's fertile soils and underscored the need for increased budgetary allocations to the Department of Agriculture to support irrigation farming. Mbilu emphasized the importance of constructing dams to provide necessary water resources for farmers, which would boost food production and ensure the county's food security.
Lawrence Matolo, Chairperson of the South Eastern Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), stated that his organization conducts seminars to engage the youth in farming activities across the country. The event was also attended by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Elizabeth Muli, and her counterparts for ICT, Education and Internship, Devolution and Gender Japheth Mang'oka, Nicholas Nzioka, and Eng. Sabastian Kyoni, among other government officials.