The Kenya Meteorological department has predicted a dry spell in some parts of the North Rift region at the end of May.
Department's Trans Nzoia county director Calistus Wachana now wants farmers in the region termed as the country's food basket to utilize on the rains before the onset of the dry spell.
“We are expecting an onset of rains from today (Monday) and farmers are expected to have planted before Wednesday,“ noted Wachana during a press briefing in Kitale town on Monday.
He further cautioned large-scale maize farmers against using planters saying, “When it rains heavily it is difficult to use planters when planting,” said Wachana.
He, however, advised farmers to always focus on planting early as it improves productivity and reduces risks of diseases.
“I urge farmers to use our weekly and monthly weather focus when planting their crops in order to maintain high production, “ noted the Meteorological department director.
He, however, said they expect rains to be fairly good in the region within the next two weeks.
Farmers in the North Rift region are currently preparing for the planting season with the Meteorological department having predicted hevy rains begining this week.