Nyamira farmers have raised an alarm over poor yields that are expected due to undergrowth of their favourite maize plantations following unexpected drought that hit the region in the months of January and February.
Speaking to HiviSasa.com on Tuesday, many farmers expressed their fear that the region might be hit by severe famine for the first time since 1994.
They asked the government to step in and supply fertilizers that could help them to replant as a way of taking precaution before mid this year.
“This is our worst year as farmers in the region. It is evident that maize did not do well this season due to their stunted growth and dwarfism. This is an indication of severe famine that we only witnessed almost two decades ago,” said Alfayo Kegoro.
“However, the situation can be controlled if farmers get fertilizer from the government. It will help us carry out mid-term plantations as means of curbing the likely famine this year,” he said.
They were backed by Gesima ward MCA Ken Atuti, who asked the county government to act fast speed and help farmers acquire fertilizers at subsidised rates.
“Our crops did poorly this year and the issue of possible famine cannot be dismissed. The county government should act in speed and help farmers buy fertilizers for plantation at affordable prices,” he said at a separate function in Matunwa village.