Despite Uasin Gishu County being known for the production of maize, wheat, and milk in large-scale, farmers have been urged to practice oats farming.
This has been informed by the change in climate and the challenges that come with the traditional cereal farming.
Recently, most farmers in the county have been trying to engage in other farming activities as they seek to increase their incomes.
David Chumba, a farmer in Sambul village, Ainabkoi Sub-County has been planting oats for the past three years now.
“Maize is no longer profitable and has many challenges as you need to wait for a whole year to get returns from a maize plant but with oats, you can plant three times in a single year and that’s a big difference,” Chumba said.
Oats is grain species grown for its seeds which are known by the same name.
While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats, one of the most common uses is as livestock feed.
The crop, when it matures up, turns brown which gives it wheat resemblance.
“I opted for oats farming because it grows faster and its money is quick to come,” noted Chumba.
On average an acre of oats farm produces 80-100 bags with each bag costing Sh800.
He appealed to the county and national governments to help in promoting oat farming through offering agricultural extension services on the same.
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