Over 1000 farmers from humble backgrounds in Mwala, Machakos County have benefited from free seeds, courtesy of the Machakos County Government.
The government on Tuesday donated 2kg of green grams seeds to each of the farmers as a subsidy in a bid of ensuring food security in the county.
Addressing the press after he issued the donation in Mwala town, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti said the county government will provide tractors to till farms so that more land is put under cultivation.
“Since 2013 our Governor Alfred Mutua has been implementing a comprehensive food security programme under which we avail farmers with subsidized seeds, free chicks and tractors to till their land," Maliti said.
To ensure high yields from their crop, Maliti said they will be engaging extension officers to train and guide the farmers on the best agricultural practices.
"The officers will be offering their services to farmers from planting all through to harvesting-advising them on when to apply fertilizer and which pesticides to use," Maliti said.
He said the crop will economically empower the farmers when they sell the surplus.
Maliti said the exercise will be undertaken in the entire Machakos County.