Uhuru urges counties to embrace agricultural mechanization

Uhuru urges counties to embrace agricultural mechanization

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged counties to promote agricultural mechanization by extending support to farmers at subsidized rates.

Speaking in Mombasa when he officially opened this year’s Agricultural Society of Kenya Mombasa international show, President Kenyatta said that technology is a critical driver in the transformation of the agricultural sector.

He said agriculture is a devolved function, calling on the county governments to partner in the national food security and agricultural productivity project.

“As we strive to achieve food and nutrition self-sufficiency, both levels of government must continue to work together,” President Kenyatta said

Noting that approximately 14.6 per cent of the Coast population is vulnerable to food insecurity, the Head of State said challenged stakeholders to work hard and produce a surplus.

The government has been committing to invest in agro-industrialization the move the President says, would create a first-line employment and investment opportunity for women as well as the youth.

This financial year the government has allocated Ksh 45.6 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries to finance initiatives aimed at improving overall food production.

To encourage farmers, especially small-holders, to grow more food, the President said agricultural input subsidies will be improved and sustained.

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