Briefly on farming, agribusiness

Cassava farmers take part in a practical course on how to farm the crop at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) in Mtwapa, Kilifi County. 

Photo credit: Laban Walloga | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • EU Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, said investing in agriculture will help bring a new generation of farmers.
  • The University of Nairobi has partnered with the Taita Taveta county government to establish a  cassava nursery.
  • Agriculture executive Samuel Yego said the current consumption stood at 82 tonnes annually and most fish is imported from as far as Uganda.

AgriBiz project, Machakos county, sign deal to set up business hub

The Sh5.1 billion AgriBiz programme funded by the European Union and Denmark is set to roll out a business incubation hub in Machakos. The project targets to create 17,000 jobs in the next five years.  

Machakos county government and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre signed a deal to actualise the hub.

EU Ambassador to Kenya, Simon Mordue, said investing in agriculture will help bring a new generation of farmers.

Governor Alfred Mutua said rise in agricultural productivity will enhance food security.

Brian Okinda

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Farmers to benefit from fast-growing cassava varieties

The University of Nairobi has partnered with Taita Taveta county government to establish a  cassava nursery.

Done under the Ruforum Cassava Value Chain Project, the deal will see a nursery for Tajirika and Shibe varieties set up,  with the initiative seeking to cushion farmers from losses.

The two varieties mature in six months, are tolerant to drought and do well in poor soils. Agriculture executive Davis Mwangoma said cassava is an important crop thus there is need to improve its productivity.

Agriculture chief officer Boniface Mwakio said the department will facilitate multiplication and distribution of the varieties to farmers.

Lucy Mkanyika

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County promotes fish farming to boost production

Uasin Gishu county government has moved to promote fish farming to meet the growing demand for the produce.

Agriculture executive Samuel Yego said the current consumption stood at 82 tonnes annually and most fish is imported from as far as Uganda.

“ We are providing 470,000 fingerlings at a subsidised price this year to shore up local fish production in the 600 fish ponds and dams across the county,” he said.

The devolved unit is also conducting weekly eat-more-fish campaigns (Fish Friday) where fish is sold and farmers are taught modern technologies.

Stanley Kimuge