Farmer groups in Baringo County, producing milk, meat, and honey, have received a financial boost of Sh20 million from the Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDSP). This support has been extended to approximately 100 farmer groups across all 30 wards in the county.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi, overseeing the distribution of various agricultural innovation equipment in Kabarnet town, highlighted the importance of these tools in enhancing productivity within the priority value chains. The distributed items include beehives, sewing machines for crafting honey harvesting gear, refrigerators for milk and meat storage, motorbikes for extension services, wood-cutting machines, and pasture seeds.
Governor Cheboi emphasized the deliberate effort of his administration to empower farmers, who constitute about 58 percent of the county’s population. The goal is to revolutionize and uplift the agricultural landscape, ensuring sustainable food and nutritional security in the region. He urged farmers to adopt innovative agricultural practices for increased yields and better market prices.
Cheboi explained the shift from traditional livestock-keeping methods to modern practices, facilitated by investments in extension services. He encouraged farmers to protect the patents of their products to prevent adulteration by individuals seeking quick profits at the expense of product value.
Accompanied by county commissioner Stephen Kutwa, deputy Eng Felix Kimaiyo, and other local leaders, Governor Cheboi challenged farmers to register in groups to benefit from transformative programs. Deputy Governor Eng Kimaiyo emphasized the role of extension officers in training farmers on best practices for increased productivity, as they collect vital information from the fields.
The county commissioner applauded the agriculture department’s initiative to distribute equipment, emphasizing its direct impact on grassroots-level farmers. Kutwa informed farmers about 80,000 bags of National government-subsidized fertilizers and top dressing available at the Kabarnet National Cereals and Produce Board, urging more farmers to register in groups to benefit from such life-transforming programs to improve their financial well-being.