Migori Governor Okoth Obado has launched a Sh107 million potato processing plant as the county seeks to eradicate the existence of middlemen who are exploiting farmers.
Speaking after the function, the county boss lauded the European Union-funded sweet potato project, noting that it will ensure maximum profits for the farmers.
He added that the project which was launched by former Devolution PS Nelson Marwa in April last year will as well go a long way in handing a good number of youths in the county jobs.
“This plant will stop exploitation by middlemen, who have been buying the potatoes at a throw-away price, thus impoverishing farmers,” he was quoted by the Friday Standard.
The county boss maintained that the factory will have a capacity of processing 100 tonnes of the product daily once it starts operations.
"The plant has the capacity to mill about 100 tonnes per day and will employ more than 300 people," said Obado.
At the same time, County Agriculture Executive Valerie Ogongo urged farmers not to cast all their effort on the product and consider other products too.
“It is through diversification that we will be able to remain food secure. Even as you plant sweet potatoes, also plant cassavas, maize, and other crops,” she noted.
The plant is located in Kegonga.