A farmer plowing the farm with a tractor in Nakuru County. The World plowing contest will take place in Kenya, Nakuru County. [Photo- ASK]
The 64th World plowing contest hosted in Kenya this year kicked off yesterday at Egerton University in Nakuru County.
Competitors from 26 affiliated countries are participating in the contest that draws world’s best ploughers.
The competition will run for ten days.
Kenya which is the only county to host the event in Africa will be hosting it for the second. The first one was in 1995
According to Juliet Wamiri, an official from the Agricultural Society of Kenya, preparations are in place and participants are already doing their practice.
“Everything is in place and most competitors are currently at the site doing their practice,” Wamiri said adding that President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to officiate the event on Friday next week.
The event which is organized by ASK is expected to boost the agricultural sector while showcasing world’s best plowing skills which directly impacts on production.
ASK CEO Mr. Bathram Muthoka said the event will be a major boost in propelling Kenya's agricultural sector as well as placing it as an agricultural hub in the region.
"As a country, we are proud of hosting this rare event where farmers will be exposed to world's best ploughers. Farmers will also be able to learn the latest technologies in tilling farms with the aim of boosting productivity and improving food security in the region," Mr. Muthoka said.
The competition which is globally-known for its campaign on fostering and preserving the art and improving plowing skills on the land is expected to equip farmers with the latest trends in tilling.