President Uhuru Kenyatta walking in a ploughed farm at the Egerton University which played host to the world's 64th ploughing contest. [Photo/Tuko)]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged farmers to embrace agricultural mechanization to boost production.
The President reassured that the Government will remain steadfast in facilitating farmers to acquire modern farming equipment.
“We encourage farmers to use modern equipment to boost production,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta was speaking today at Egerton University’s Ngongongeri farm, Njoro, in Nakuru County where he presided over the official opening of the 64th World Ploughing Contest.
In his inauguration speech last Tuesday, the President said his Government would give every help to Kenya’s farmers in the quest for mechanization as well as the transformation of agriculture into a booming industry.
“My government aspires to transform agriculture by processing over 50 percent of agro-products and crops,” the Head of State said.
President Kenyatta’s administration has already waived import taxes on agricultural machinery and equipment in support of farmers.
Government’s efforts to encourage farmers to adopt mechanization has also seen the establishment of agricultural mechanization stations in the last six months to offer agricultural machinery to farmers across the country at a price within their reach.
Before officially opening the ploughing contest, President Kenyatta witnessed, first-hand, the competitors demonstrating their plowing skills on their assigned plots before he tour exhibitions at the site.
Speaking at the event, Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett also said the contest provided an opportunity for farmers to improve their farming skills – a move that would increase production as Kenya look to entrench food security.