Uasin Gishu County is food secure despite the viral disease that attacked maize farms last year, leading to farmers incurring heavy losses.
Speaking in his office on Tuesday, County Director of Agriculture Joseph Cheboi, said the county expects to harvest over 4.5 million bags of maize at the close of the harvest season this year.
He said the Litho Necrosis viral disease attacked some maize farms in the county this season, but discounted claims that the county was insecure in terms of food as a result of the disease.
Cheboi is however calling on farmers in the county to diversify their food production and stop over-reliance on maize crop.
“When you grow a variety of food crops, you stand to reap maximum benefits because when one fails, the other will definitely boost your income,” he said.
The officer is calling on farmers to turn their farms into cash cows by seeking expert advice from extension officers.
He said employing modern farming skills and techniques will help farmers work towards food security in the country.
Family farming includes fruits, vegetables, grains and livestock. Others are fisheries and non-wood products, and farms are managed and operated by a family, relying on cheap family labour.