Uasin Gishu County deputy governor Daniel Chemno has urged county residents to diversify their farming and stop over relying on maize as the only crop.
Speaking when he attended a forum on farming at Sugoi trading centre on Friday, Chemno said that the county’s food production will increase if farmers embrace other crops.
He noted that most farmers in the region prefer growing maize at the expense of other crops.
The deputy governor noted that the county has a conducive environment and fertile soils that can allow growing of other crops.
“For Uasin Gishu County to have enough food plus surplus, you (farmers) will have to diversify your farming,” he said.
Chemno observed that farming is the main economic activity driving the county’s economy adding farmers can get profits if they farm crops like coffee, sun flower, vegetables and fruits.
Chemno advised farmers that there is money in commercial farming adding that the county government is considering investing heavily in agriculture.
“We as a county will be able to fight poverty and unemployment if we take agriculture seriously,” he said.
To boost and encourage farming, the deputy governor said county residents will be getting subsidised fertilizers.
He observed that expensive farm inputs have seen most residents shy away from farming. He announced that the government will be conducting forums to educate the public on proper farming methods.
Uasin Gishu County is regarded as the country’s food basket that produces most cereals including maize, wheat and millet.