Kisii Governor James Ongwae has said Kisii farmers will be trained on greenhouse management and farming techniques by an Israel company in order to improve productivity.
Speaking on Friday in Gusii Stadium when he presided over the issuance of certificates to exhibitors at the ASK Kisii show, Ongwae said Amiran Group from Israel has established a training centre on greenhouse farming best practices in the county.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with an Israel entity to offer training to our Kisii farmers. The training centre will be launched anytime from now together with a private sector funded programme to enable farmers acquire greenhouse kits,” he said.
He added: “As you may be aware, the agricultural sector is the bedrock of this county’s economy with an estimated value of Sh65 billion. This is why we have prioritised this sector in our quest to become a middle-income economy. Our plan is to transform the sector from subsistence to a modern, innovative and commercially viable industry.”
Ongwae said the county government will strive along the theme, “Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth” to ensure food security in the county is achieved.
“This theme is relevant, as the region has high agricultural potential but is facing decreasing farm holdings due to increasing population. This calls for intensive agricultural production systems to produce enough food and marketable surplus for income generation,” he said.
He noted that use of appropriate technology is a key driver in enhancing agricultural production and development of agro-based industries for the region.
Ongwae said they have identified a long-term plan to take advantage the good climate to promote food security through sustainable agricultural growth. This will be done through the new adopted technologies like greenhouse and tissue culture banana farming to increase yields and produce inputs for agro-processing both through direct government intervention and with collaboration with other key stakeholders.
“It is expected that with increased productivity, commercialisation and enhanced competitiveness of agricultural production, the core objectives of creation of employment, food security and increase in incomes among farmers in the county will be realised,” added Ongwae.
He said the county government through the department of agriculture has initiated the development of an e-agriculture applications system for outreach and awareness targeting particularly the youthful farmers and entrepreneurs.
Through this platform, governor Ongwae said farmers will share information on renovation and research from collaborators uploaded to the county website and also establishes a toll call centre where farmers can make calls and access urgent extension services.