The County Government of Nakuru through the Department of Agriculture is keen to suppress the pest population in the county.

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Speaking on Thursday during the launch of Nakuru County Plant Pest Management Initiative aimed at boosting pest and disease control measures in the County, Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr Erick Korir said it is unfortunate that farmers lose up to 40 per cent of their produce due to pest and diseases.

“We are committed to reducing hunger and poverty by working with the National Government and other stakeholders to ensure food security is achieved,” said Dr Korir.

The initiative will offer support to farmers by providing early warning signs and knowledge on the right pesticides that should be used to fight pests.

The DG commended the plant doctors and volunteers for helping farmers in the rural areas access information on the common plant diseases and how they can be dealt with.

Meanwhile, CECM Agriculture Dr Immaculate Maina says there are plans to partner with Water Watch Cooperative to help track potato diseases in Njoro.

Speaking in her office on Thursday during a courtesy call by partners who support pest management initiatives in the county, Dr Maina added that the partnership will also see more spray service providers and community-based forecaster trained to improve pest control services in the county.

“There are plans to partner with Water Watch Cooperative to help track potato diseases in Njoro. The partnership will also lead to training to improve pest control services in the county,” said the CECM.

So far there are 47 plant clinics in the county with 35 trained plant doctors as well as five plant doctor trainees.

According to Maina, due to crop pests and diseases, there's 30-40% loss of produce hence need for mobile plant clinics as well as publicizing them through serious promotion programs.

Also present was the Director of Agriculture Grace Kirui, County Crop Protection Officer Hannah Oduor, CABI and AAK representatives.