Farmers in Kiambu have been advised to plant short term crops in a bid to enhance food security.
Speaking in Kiambu community hall on Tuesday, Kiambu agricultural officer Mrs Jane Muigai said short term crops are important since they take three months or less to grow.
She said that this will help in reducing reliance on the relief food programmes that takes place once drought strikes.
Muigai said these types of crops only take three or less months to mature according to the climate of the area, adding that this brings about high returns to the farmer because he or she can decide to either practise subsistence or commercial farming.
The officer said residents living in areas that face drought in the middle of the year, should venture into this type of farming and also embrace vertical gardens, as it will reduce malnutrition due to lack of sufficient food.
“Short term crops have various benefits like cash flow that is maintained at all times, work load remains balanced and increased permanent labour,” said Muigai.
Muigai said that this type of farming will create job opportunities to the youth who are unemployed and also help in curbing cases alcohol and drug abuse.
The agricultural officer said that short term crops like onions, cabbages, tomatoes and others increase the country’s economic growth as most people who do not have farms buy them in bulk and also these crops can be exported to other countries.
She advised farmers to venture into this type of farming arguing that the residents will not have to rely on relief food or suffer from malnutrition as they will have a steady supply of food.