Governor Alfred Mutua has challenged Machakos residents to venture into farming saying that his government will help them get subsidised farm inputs.
Speaking when he opened the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Eastern Region show in Machakos on Friday, Mutua said that agriculture is a lucrative venture that residents should explore.
He said that the county’s food security will be boosted if residents take interest in agriculture.
Mutua said that his government recognises the importance of agriculture in economic development.
“The Machakos government will provide fertilizer, seeds and other farm inputs to residents willing to take up farming,” he said.
Mutua said that the county government has set aside Sh2 billion which will be used to irrigate farms in order to encourage farming.
He said that plans are underway to construct dams across the county which will help farmers irrigate farms.
The Machakos boss also said that residents will be trained on modern farming methods.
He stated that Machakos County receives minimal rainfall and that investing in irrigation farming will help secure its food security.
The governor further challenged youths in the county to venture into farming.
He said that youths can use Uwezo Funds to start small farming projects like fish and poultry keeping.
Mutua said that his government is working on procuring farm tractors which will be used to plough land for farmers.