The national government plans to introduce sugarcane varieties that mature faster as a way of cushioning farmers from the adverse effects of COMESA once it expires. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei said the varieties that are to be developed and given to farmers will be disease-resistant. Koskei told farmers not to panic once COMESA safeguard comes to an end since the government is laying down strategies to ensure farmers are protected. “Farmers must know that we are on top of things concerning expiry of COMESA and they should not be worried,” he said. He said the window period that has been offered to the country by COMESA has given the government time to carry out research on the best varieties for the farmers. The CS announced that already, Sugar Research Institute has released 21 sugarcane varieties that are undergoing testing on the period they will take to mature. Speaking during Kisumu County Farmers Day at Tom Mboya Labour College, Koskei said currently sugarcane varieties take from 16 to 20 months to mature and the government is keen to lower the period further. He urged farmers to follow government guidelines on farming to be able to cut cost of production and reap from their sweat and further called upon county extension officers to assist farmers.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know