More than 1,000 farmers in Mavoko Sub-county, Machakos County are yet to receive orphan crop seeds from the government under Traditional High Value Crops Programme (THVC) for enhancing food security in the region.
Area Deputy Sub-county Agriculture Office Hoseah Swanya confirmed that his office would receive THVC seeds worth Sh1.3 million which would be donated to selected farmers who have already been identified to help revive the orphaned but important crops.
"The seeds include cassava, sweet potatoes, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, cowpeas and green grams," disclosed Swanya.
Swanya said the project also aimed at encouraging farmers to embark on traditional crop farming as they were drought resistant.
He however called on farmers to prepare their parcels of land and make use of subsidized government fertilizers which were available in various administrative offices in the subcounty for increased production of yields next season.
The agricultural officer, who addressed press in his office on Wednesday said he had already received 150 kilograms of soghum seeds which his office would use to hold farm demonstrations in selected farms.