Agricultural department Kisii branch has urged farmers to take advantage of the rainy season ahead of dry spell in January and February.
Speaking yesterday at Chepilat Market during sensitization program, Agricultural Cooperation of Kenya chairperson Mr. Patrick Osero said many farmers delay planting leading to poor yields during harvesting season.
“We have rains with us now. Let us take this opportunity and plant our crops as early as this. We are aware of dry spell early next year hence let’s not gamble with the opportunity”, he said.
He asked farmers to grow variety of crops besides the traditional maize and beans due to shifting dynamics of demand in the market.
“Let us try to change our approach to farming. Depending on maize and beans is not a remedy in our ailing Agricultural sector. We have variety of crops such as potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes that are marketable. Let us try them”, he added.
Mr. Osero said the government has subsidized fertilizers and farmers could afford them hence any delay in planting will be inexcusable.
“We used to purchase 25Kg at 2500Kshs and that has since been reduced to only 1750kshs. We cannot blame the government always. Please let us do farming without blame game”, said Mr. Osero.
The seasonal politician was appointed to the cooperation by President Kenyatta early this year after contesting for North Mugirango cum Borabu constituency in more than two occasions and lost last year general elections to incumbent Hon. Ben Momanyi.