•Leaders Emphasize Modern Farming for Food Security and Economic Growth
Farmers in Homa Bay County have been urged to adopt modern agricultural practices, including the use of certified seeds and fertilizers, to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
Speaking during a sensitization meeting in Rangwe Sub-county, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Chairman Odoyo Owidi emphasized the need for farmers to invest in quality inputs to maximize their yields.
Owidi highlighted the county’s vast agricultural potential, stating that if farmers fail to use certified seeds and fertilizers, they risk experiencing poor harvests.
Homa Bay County, with its favorable climate and arable land, has the capacity to produce crops both for subsistence and commercial purposes.
However, low adoption of modern farming techniques has hindered the region’s agricultural output.
Owidi urged farmers to embrace best practices, noting that improved production would not only ensure food security but also contribute to economic growth.
Government Support Through Subsidized Fertilizers
Hesborn Omollo, a board member of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), echoed Owidi’s sentiments, stressing that proper use of certified seeds and fertilizers is key to achieving high crop yields.
He assured farmers that the government has put in place a robust program to provide subsidized fertilizers to ease the cost burden on farmers.
“Let us register for the subsidized fertilizers that the government is offering. This will enable us to get high crop yields, improve food security, and enhance our livelihoods,” Omollo urged.
He further emphasized that agriculture remains a fundamental pillar of the economy and should be viewed as a lucrative venture rather than a last resort.
He encouraged young people to embrace farming, dismissing the notion that it is an outdated or unprofitable occupation.
“Many people in our country today have become millionaires through farming. Let our youth take it seriously and pursue it with passion,” Omollo said.
Agriculture as a Tool for Economic Stability
Omollo also linked proper farming practices to reducing the cost of living in Kenya.
He pointed out that before the 2022 General Election, a 2kg packet of maize flour was retailing at Ksh 250, but due to increased farming activities and improved production, the price has now dropped to below Ksh 150.
This, he said, demonstrates the direct impact of agriculture on household expenses and national economic stability.
Call for Farmers to Form Cooperative Societies
Beyond individual efforts, the leaders urged farmers to organize themselves into cooperative societies to strengthen their bargaining power in the market.
By forming cooperatives, farmers can negotiate better prices for their produce, access credit facilities, and benefit from shared resources such as storage and transportation.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers in Homa Bay County, stating that with proper policies and practices, the agricultural sector could significantly transform the lives of local residents.
As the planting season begins, farmers have been encouraged to take advantage of the available government support and adopt modern farming techniques to ensure a prosperous harvest.
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