Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett speaking during UoE Agri-Business Trade fair in Eldoret on September 22, 2017 [Photo: Facebook/Willy Bett]
The national government has pledged to put in place measures that will ensure farmers affected by this year's drought and fall army worms get necessary help.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett says discussions are ongoing among various stakeholders on how best the affected farmers can be supported.
Speaking during the second day of the 6th University of Eldoret (UoE) Agri-Business Trade fair, Friday, Bett admitted that severe drought and fall-army worms that were reported in several parts of the Cereal producing regions in the country might lead to a drop in production the year.
"The government is currently looking at the appropriate ways of supporting farmers affected by the army worms invasion. Those affected by drought are also being considered," said the Agriculture CS.
He however challenged farmers across the country insure their crops, a move he noted that would help avoid loses due to natural calamities.
"We need to start embracing this idea of crop and animal insurance because in the event of unexpected calamities like drought or army worms, the insurance companies can come to the rescue of a farmer," Bett advised.