Diversification of crops and livestock is one intervention that Nyandarua County government under Governor Dr Moses Kiarie Badilisha is implementing. The others are the revival of agriculture value chains, agro-processing and aggregation and are included in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 3).
The county is best known for being the biggest potato producer in Kenya and also does well in dairy farming.
The county government has been issuing farmers with avocado seedlings to encourage farmers to get into the venture. The Governor recently toured a macadamia and hass avocado farm which demonstrated the potential of the crops growing and doing well in Nyandarua County. The farm, owned by William Cira, grows the two crops In Kanjuiri ward.
The Governor has also urged all farmers interested in pyrethrum farming to register with their agricultural extension officers to be issued with seedlings and related technical support.
The county chief says that his government has already factored budgetary support to buy pyrethrum seedlings for interested farmers across the county, while at the same time encouraging farmers to equally venture into seedlings multiplication.
“One way to improve our people’s livelihoods is through enhancement of the whole value chain. We have embarked on deliberate interventions that target each value chain – from farm inputs, agro-processing and value addition and market linkages,” says the Governor. He has identified the cultivation of Markies potatoes, pyrethrum and improved dairy farming as high-yielding ventures that farmers in the county can benefit from.
Governor Dr. Moses Kiarie Badilisha envisions a future where the agricultural sector in Nyandarua County is vibrant, diversified, and integrated into the wider economy. By promoting crop diversification, supporting value addition, and fostering market linkages, the government aims to create a favorable environment for farmers to thrive and contribute to the county’s economic development.
The efforts undertaken by the Nyandarua County government serve as a catalyst for agricultural transformation, driving innovation, and opening up new opportunities for farmers. These interventions not only increase agricultural productivity and profitability but also promote sustainable farming practices and enhance the overall resilience of the agricultural sector in Nyandarua County.
By Kilimo News