By Violet Grade.
As farmers prepare for the upcoming planting season, they have been cautioned to buy seeds and fertilizer from certified dealers.
Agriculture Chief Executive Committee Member in Bungoma county Herbert Kibunguchy says this is ideal for betterment of their produce.
Addressing the media during the implementation support mission by the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Programme,the CECM said there are four four value chain levels that enhance marketability of Agricultural produce.
CECM further said they have ordered fertilizers and seeds from the national government and by the end of march every farmer from a lower background is going to benefit from it.
Rose Khisa the county project coordinator of Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project said it has already impacted positively to the farmers and improved the quality of their yields.
“Since the start of the project we have given out gala goats and doba sheep to Elite breeders who we have also trained and built their capacity, a strategy which has become a game changer.” she said.
Bungoma is among the ten counties where the project is being implemented.
However, each of the counties has a unique value chain being developed.
“We are here to appreciate the progress of the milestone that our county has made,”Rose added.
The other counties include Kakamega,Siaya,Busia,Nakuru,Samburu,West Pokot,Baringo,Elgeyo Marakwet andTrans Nzoia.
The main crops grown in Bungoma include maize, beans, finger millet, sweet potatoes, bananas, Irish potatoes, and assorted vegetables. These are grown primary for subsistence, with the excess sold to meet other family needs.
Some common livestock breeds include Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Charolais, Guernsey, Dairy Shorthorn, Sahiwal, Aberdeen Angus, and Boran.
Other challenges faced by farmers in Bungoma county includes climate change,soil erosion and poverty which are yet to be delt with.
