Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has challenged farmers in the county to venture into commercial farming to boost the county’s economic development.
Speaking when he closed a two-day agricultural exhibition at the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) on Saturday, Mbugua said that many farmers have not embraced the practice. He said that farming has the potential of turning the fortunes of the county if fully embraced.
“In this era, people are in farming for money and prosperity,” he said.
Mbugua asked residents to take farming as a business venture which can earn them decent livelihoods.
He said the county government has started programmes aimed at sensitising residents on the importance of commercial farming.
Mbugua said the county has favourable soils and climate that supports farming.
He also announced that the county has established agricultural produce markets with foreign countries which will increase the opportunities for farmers.
On the same note, Mbugua encouraged county youths to venture into farming as one way of curbing unemployment.
He said that farming is a lucrative venture that youths should embrace. Mbugua, however, blamed negative perceptions and lack of interest as the major hurdles facing the agriculture sector.
“Young people should develop an interest in farming and agriculture if they want to earn decent incomes,” he said.
The two-day exhibition provided a platform for farmers and experts to showcase and market their products.