Nakuru Chief Agricultural Officer Purity Muritu has urged farmers to embrace modern farming technologies to boost food production.
Speaking on Friday at Gilgil Hospital playgrounds in Gilgil, Muritu said the county government of Nakuru recognises the role of agriculture in the fight against food insecurity.
“Nakuru farmers should strive to improve adoption of modern agricultural technologies to increase food production ," Muritu said.
“With the devolution of agricultural services, the Nakuru County government has committed itself to ensuring agriculture takes the desired path in the development agenda because it helps to fight food insecurity," she said.
Muritu noted that agriculture is the mainstay of economic growth in the county and urged farmers to step up their efforts to overrun the effects of famine.
She promised farmers that the county government was committed to supporting sustainable and market oriented agriculture that would transform their lives.
“Nakuru County government has made agriculture a flagship project with the intention of helping farmers achieve maximum benefits," said Muritu.
She urged farmers to diversify crop production by planting different crop varieties.
“Farmers should cultivate cassava, sweet potatoes and fruits to increase their income instead of depending on maize ," Muritu said adding that all agriculture stakeholders should engage development partners to explore investment opportunities in Nakuru County.
She spoke at an event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Egerton University and the County government of Nakuru.
Over 500 farmers attended.