Farmers in Amagoro, Busia county have been urged to
experiment with different crop varieties to identify those best suited to their
soil.
The aim is to boost productivity and incomes while
contributing to food security.
Farm Input Promotions (FIPS) Africa encouraged farmers to
try different varieties of maize, potatoes and Hass avocados, and to select
those with the highest yields.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen crop protection and
enhance farm profitability.
Speaking at a baraza convened by Amagoro chief Joel Omachar
on Tuesday, Collins Otiende, representing FIPS, urged farmers to test their
soils to determine fertility levels and choose suitable crops.
“Farmers will only pay Sh50 per acre through our
collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, which seeks to improve food
security across counties,” Otiende said.
“Our programmes help farmers understand their role in
building a sustainable food production system through proper land preparation,
crop selection and farm management,” he added.
FIPS, which began operations in Busia in 2013, has been
using chiefs’ barazas to educate low-income farmers on best farming practices,
empowering them to increase productivity.
The organisation operates in 19 counties, including
Kakamega, Bungoma, Siaya, Nandi, Nakuru, Murang’a, Kitui, Mombasa, Kilifi and
Kwale.
Otiende outlined key focus areas, including dairy and
poultry production. The organisation promotes high-protein fodder to increase
milk production to 40 litres per cow per day, improve cattle breeds through
subsidised artificial insemination, and support the purchase of cross-breeds.
Production of African leafy vegetables, poultry projects and
soil testing are also being prioritised.
Teso North Crops officer Eric Magero urged farmers to begin
maize planting in early March. He warned that planting without fertiliser would
lead to poor yields due to unpredictable weather patterns.
Magero also encouraged farmers to increase groundnut
production, taking advantage of the peanut butter processing machine in
Amagoro, which guarantees a ready market and payment within two weeks.
“We are advising our farmers to diversify into cassava,
beans and bananas as well, because food security starts at the family level,”
he said.
Local farmers welcomed the initiative, noting that the
training addressed critical productivity challenges and provided practical
guidance for sustainable farming.
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