The Nyamira County government has launched greenhouse farming to boost food security. Speaking at Mogusii in Borabu sub-county, Governor John Nyagarama said the technology will enable farmers to improve yields despite the dry spell, adding that there are 104 greenhouse units distributed in all the sub-counties. He said food security remains a priority objective for the county, especially among the small-scale farmers. “Through this technology our farmers will be able to achieve food security and improved nutrition, increase farm incomes, create employment and relieve poverty,” said Nyagarama. He said that apart from directly supporting in the construction of 60 greenhouses per ward, the county is planning for an additional one greenhouse per ward for demonstrations to farmers groups and that the county wants farmers to grow tomatoes, cucumber, onions, black nightshade, butternut, cabbages, capsicums, herbs and spices, watermelon, cowpeas, strawberry and flowers in the greenhouses. “The county does not produce as much as it should despite being endowed with conducive climate for production of a wide range of crop varieties and livestock. We have a huge potential for irrigated agriculture to ensure a year-round production,” he said. He also said that his government has given priority to the revitalisation of the agriculture sector as an avenue to reduce poverty in the county.

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