Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma on Wednesday received farm machinery worth Sh200 Million on behalf of farmers from West Kano and Ahero irrigation schemes in Nyando Sub-County.
The machinery including, tractors, trailers and disc ploughs were donated by the Japan International Cooperation (JICA) following negotiations with the National and County Governments, in collaboration with the National Irrigation Board (NIB).
Speaking when he received the machinery at the schemes’ offices, Governor Ranguma urged farmers to embrace mechanisation in agriculture to improve crop yields.
"With mechanisation, you will be able to reap twice what you are reaping currently since the overall cost of production will have gone down," said the Governor.
He further urged them to plough back their profits into the scheme to ensure sustainability.
“Today is a very special day for me as I receive this machinery, which will be launched at a later date. As a County, we have the ability to change our lives through agriculture and enhance food security,” he added.
Speaking at the same occasion, Industrialisation and Enterprise Development CeC, Johnson Awuor said the machinery will enhance food security and create jobs for the local population.
“Our youth will now have jobs but for us to succeed, we must strengthen our Saccos. As a County, we are ready to assist you,” said Awuor.
Mr Shadrack Awuor, chairman of the West Kano irrigation scheme management committee, expressed his joy at the donation terming it Godsend.
“We are very happy today because this is what we have been waiting for over the years,” he said.