Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has called on the government to introduce emergency funds to cushion cereal farmers against calamities as pests. 

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!

The Governor says farmers are vulnerable to being slapped by losses caused by pests and drought. 

"The government through the Ministry of Agriculture needs to avail funds for emergency in case of calamities," said Mandago. 

Currently, the fall army worm has infested farms in Uasin Gishu County's Turbo Sub-County, the pest coming a bit too early and thus sending maize grower into stress. 

Last year, the pest ravaged tens of thousands of acres in North and South Rift regions. 

 Speaking as he hosted National Assembly's select committee on Agriculture, Governor Mandago said calamities usually send farmers into big losses.

 "Some farmers secure loans from AFC and other financial institutions to finance their farming. In the event of worm infestation and depressed rains, these farmers record up to 70 percent loss," said Mandago. 

The Governor spoke even as the national government compensates farmers whose animals die during drought. Also about a week ago, some Maasai pastoralists were compensated after the Tanzanian government held their herds. 

Mandago said farmers are experiencing problems that should be solved; otherwise the Government's agenda of food security will not be achieved. 

"Uasin Gishu County is a food basket County and there's need to pump resources that will help boost farmers," said the governor.

He also called on the ministry of Agriculture to re-look on the issues of fertilizer distribution to NCPB noting that farmers have been lamenting that the stores has less fertilizer. 

To cut off cartels in the agriculture sector, Mandago said inputs should be ferried direct to cooperatives stores. 

"Farmers themselves will interrogate and be stern on persons whose faces are not familiar in the grass roots." 

"Members of cooperatives can recognize themselves so cartels do not have chances there," said Mandago during an extension meeting with farmers at the County Hall. 

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi led the delegation to Uasin Gishu County. 

MPs Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Justus Murunga (Matungu) were in the committee. 

To be the first to get the latest Political News updates for free, WhatsApp the word "POLITICS" to 0717410719.