A non governmental organisation has constructed a solar dryer in Mwala Sub-County in Machakos to help farmers add value to their produce before taking them to the market.
Addressing journalists at his office today, Edward Kaliba who is Mwala sub-county agricultural officer said the initiative which was spearheaded by World Vision aims at helping farmers increase earnings from their crops as well as reduce post-harvest losses.
The construction of the dryer which is able to process at least a tonne of fruits daily has now seen farmers shift from maize farming to farming fruits such as mangoes and oranges, a move which has been motivated by increased earnings.
The World Vision has also started a program to train farmers on the best farming practices so that they can reap maximum benefit from farming.
Kaliba said that mango farming is doing well in the area as farmers are motivated by the extra cash they are earning.
"A kilo of mangoes was going for between Sh50 and Sh60 but with the added value it is earning farmers up to Sh600," said Kaliba.
The agricultural officer said the dryer which was set up a cost of Sh1million has seen farmers increase their productivity.