The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The commencement of sorghum cultivation in Murang’a, spearheaded by the county government, heralds a new era of hope for farmers residing in the semi-arid regions.
For years, these farmers, dependent on mangoes and rain-fed subsistence farming, grappled with poverty exacerbated by low earnings from mango sales, particularly during the January-February harvest season.
To address this, the county government established the Lower Murang’a Co-operative Sacco, consolidating mango farmers for subsidized programs. This initiative, in collaboration with fruit processors and Kenya Breweries Ltd, aimed to transition over 2,000 farmers towards profitable sorghum farming, thereby bolstering their economic standing.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata, emphasizing the economic marginalization endured by the semi-arid regions due to minimal rainfall, launched the program in September, offering a lifeline for farmers like Cherry Mbatha and Martha Kioko.
Mbatha, optimistic about her sorghum crop’s potential to transform her fortunes, anticipates a significant increase in earnings compared to her previous ventures in maize and beans. Kioko views sorghum farming as a promising source of income in her retirement after decades of public service.
Paul Mugo, the county executive for Trade, highlights the program’s potential, estimating farmers’ earnings of at least Sh48,000 per acre every three months. The initiative aims for inclusivity, bridging the economic gap between regions with cash crops like tea and coffee and those relying on sorghum.
Gerald Gacheru, head of agribusiness at KBL, stresses the company’s commitment to local sourcing and sorghum’s resilience to drought, providing a stable income for farmers despite rainfall shortages.
Under contract farming agreements, farmers receive guaranteed markets and support services to enhance productivity. With over 30,000 active farmers nationwide, KBL’s demand for sorghum continues to rise, with Murang’a farmers benefiting from the initiative’s focus on high-yield varieties tailored to local conditions.
As the program progresses, the expansion of sorghum cultivation promises a brighter future for farmers in previously marginalized regions, offering stability and prosperity amidst environmental challenges.
