The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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By: Nicholas Wambua
In a bid to uplift agricultural practices and foster self-sufficiency, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, Kitui Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, alongside Chief Officer Gladys Kivoto, emphasized the importance of innovative farming techniques and community collaboration during a Farmers Field Day event organized by the Kitui County government in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
Dr. Kimwele urged hardworking farmers not to succumb to the allure of quick sales to middlemen offering meager prices for their produce. Instead, he advocated for the establishment of farmers’ cooperatives, emphasizing the power of collective bargaining. “By uniting and forming cooperatives, farmers can negotiate better prices for their valuable produce, ensuring fair returns for their hard work,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Mbaya underscored the need for adopting smart agricultural practices.
“Let’s sow the seeds of resilience by cultivating drought-resistant crops such as cowpeas, green grams, millet, and sorghum,” he urged. “This strategic approach will fortify our agricultural sector against the unpredictable forces of nature, ensuring a stable food supply for our communities.”
Addressing the issue of food dependency, Dr. Mbaya passionately appealed to Kitui County residents to break free from the cycle of reliance on relief food. “Dependency on relief food offers only temporary sustenance. We must embrace a culture of self-reliance and embark on serious farming endeavors,” he asserted. “Together, we can eradicate famine and cultivate a future of abundance for our beloved Kitui.”
Chief Officer Gladys Kivoto echoed Dr. Mbaya’s sentiments and emphasized the potential of modern aquaculture practices in Kitui South. Encouraging fisheries to embrace innovation, she stressed the importance of responsible fish farming for both economic development and environmental sustainability.
“Let us seize the opportunity presented by the Athi River and engage in modern aquaculture practices,” she urged. “By doing so, we can increase fish production and contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of our county.”
In her concluding remarks, Kivoto called for collaboration and unity within the community to build a sustainable model that benefits present and future generations. “Together, as a united community, we can create a legacy of prosperity and environmental stewardship,” she affirmed. “Let the call for modern aquaculture echo through Kitui South, inspiring a wave of positive change.”
The Farmers Field Day event served as a platform for farmers to exchange knowledge, learn about innovative agricultural techniques, and strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency in Kitui County.
