Farming and agribusiness news from around the country

Farmers to start processing their cassava produce

Cassava farmers in Kilifi County will start processing their produce early next year,  the county government said.

Chief officer in-charge of agriculture Fredrick Kaingu said the plant in Tezo is nearing completion.  

“Almost every household in the county produces cassava. We now need to commercialise the crop,” said Kaingu.

He said the plant will process cassava chips, among other products.  “We will also be able to extract starch from cassava,” he said.

-Samuel Baya

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County signs pact to set up business hub under the Agribiz initiative

Bungoma  County government and Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) have signed a partnership to support women and youth agribusinesses.

The county will thus establish an incubation hub at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in Mabanga.  Other counties to follow suit are Kilifi, Machakos, Kiambu, Meru, Isiolo, Kisii and Uasin Gishu.  AgriBiz is funded by the European Union and Denmark (Danida) at a cost of Sh5.1 billion.

EU ambassador Simon Mordue said the programme is a timely intervention for the women and youth of Kenya.  

Bungoma governor said the county is honoured to sign the partnership with AgriBiz programme.

-Brian Okinda

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200,000 small farmers to get free seeds’ boost

Up to 200,000 smallholder farmers from 10 counties are set to benefit from Sh93 million worth of seeds in an initiative aimed at boosting resilience amid the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Bayer East Africa, which donated the seeds,  said the initiative is part of its Better Farms , Better Lives project.

Managing director  Laurent Perrier, said, “We believe that through the initiative, we will boost food security as well as aid recovery and long-term resilience.”

Agriculture PS Hamadi Boga said to transform the sector, the private sector must be  brought on board to boost it.

-Brian Okinda