Agriculture CS says Ministry to address food security

The newly appointed Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett now says they are putting in place plans to improve agriculture sector so as to ensure food security in the country.

The CS said that the government, through Ministry of Agriculture, will engage all stakeholders so as to bring solution and bolster farming technologies.

The agriculture sector has for a while been in need for modernization and mechanization with farmers expressing their concerns over low income.

Bett said that the Ministry will fast track all government procedures to benefit the farmers.

Speaking during his homecoming ceremony at Kaptel, Chesumei constituency, Nandi County, the Cabinet Secretary expressed confidence that his Ministry will ensure that farmers get value for their farming.

He assured the farmers that the government will continue offering subsidy for the farm inputs.

He said that farmers will introduced to new farming technology so as to improve yields and enhance returns for farm produce trough high yields.

According to Bett, most farmers are yet to realize profits from farming.

The Cabinet Secretary said that lack of farmer training is one of the reasons for food insecurity in the country.

He said that the Ministry will focus on agricultural extension services to farmers as a way of boosting food security.

Bett also announced the waiver on charges for drying maize delivered to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots by farmers across the country.

The move follows President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive during his recent tour of the North Rift region that farmers should be allowed to deliver produce and drying costs be met by the board.