Farmers from Nyamira County have been urged to take matters food security seriously as a step towards controlling food shortages in the region after harvesting.
Nyamira County was honoured by hosting the World Food Day celebrations at Rigoma grounds in which participants from different countries were in attendance.
Speaking at Mwongori village on Sunday, Hunger Free Group regional coordinator Mr Erick Mbeche urged locals to embrace new technologies on food storage as the modest way of averting food shortage in the region.
He said many farmers were still using the traditional storage methods of granaries, exposing food to pests and possible thefts.
“Food storage is a pressing issue not only in Nyamira. Most farmers are still using the traditional methods of granaries hence giving pests a chance to destroy the harvested food. I want to encourage farmers to use modern storage methods to prevent possible hunger in future,” he said.
Mbeche advised farmers against selling their harvests to brokers who allegedly shortchange them by given them raw deals.
“There is no need to panic by selling farm produce at a throw away prices. We have nationally accepted prices therefore, it will be appropriate if you shun brokers and work with National Cereals and Produce Board,” Mbeche added.
He said the Hunger Free Group will continue with its sensitisation activities across the county to minimise cases of people depending on relief food.
“I don’t think Nyamira residents really need relief food because we have enough. Therefore, my group will put emphasis on food storage across the county to avoid such a scenario,” he said.