Elgeyo Marakwet holds agricultural show, farmers urged to embrace modern technologies

More than 3000 farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County converged at Chebara Agricultural Training Centre for an exhibition aimed at educating them on modern farming techniques, market opportunities, and ways to improve coffee quality and yields.

The third edition of the Elgeyo Marakwet exhibition and farmers’field day was organised by the Department of Agriculture and also brought together more than 50 exhibitors.

Deputy Governor Prof.Grace Cheserek urged farmers to put into practice what they learnt during the field day in order to improve productivity on their farms.

She said:”I have gone round, and I am encouraged by how our farmers have come in large numbers. This shows they are ready to learn new farming practices. I urge them (farmers) to utilise the knowledge they have gained today to improve their farming systems.”

Benson Kibet from Kaptarakwa said the exhibition had exposed him to new farming practices.”I went home a different person. I was encouraged to know that we can grow several crops in our county. I am a sheep farmer, and it was interesting to see large Corriedale sheep from the county farm in Labot.”

Farmers also had an opportunity to purchase farm inputs,which included certified seeds, agrochemicals, and grass.

Mrs Selly Kimeli from Kapsowar said she had looked for Pokchong Napier grass to no avail.”I was not ready when the county was distributing the grass last time. I bought some today. I am happy there are rains right now,” she said, “I will be planting them tomorrow. I thank the county government for bringing the exhibition near us.”

Agriculture and Livestock County Executive Committee Member Edwin Kibor said the field day will be rotated across the county so that more farmers are reached.

Mr.Kibor advised farmers to use certified chemicals and purchase seedlings only from recognised institutions to maintain quality standards and enhance yields.

“You have seen from the demonstrations how certified seeds do well.Let’s avoid recycling old seeds. The certified seeds are high producing and disease resistant,” he said.

The CECM thanked the staff from the Agriculture Department for what he termed as a job well done.

The exercise brought together farmers from all 20 Wards,the sub county and Ward administrators, and staff from the department of agriculture.

Agriculture Chief Officer Edwin Komen welcomed investors to Elgeyo Marakwet, stating that the environment was ripe for agribusiness and calling on them to support farmers by bringing in innovation and markets.

Laban Kipchirchir from Akwai Fresh Limited,an international firm that deals with the avocado marketing value chain, noted an increased interest from farmers wanting to learn more about avocado farming.

“I talked to several farmers today.The interest is huge. I encourage farmers to grow the crop. The market is huge,” said Mr. Kipchirchir.