Garissa governor demands govt support for agriculture

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama on Thursday took a swipe at the national government’s Agriculture Ministry, which he said had completely stopped funding projects in the area.

Jama, who was speaking to the press after distributing 25 gen lister sets, said that it was unfortunate that despite the ministry getting a huge budget, it has not initiated any projects for the past three years in his area.

“We are asking ourselves why hasn’t there been any meaningful farming activity in Garissa for three years now since devolution,” he posed.

“We are telling the national government that you can stay where you want, but can we have our share as a key farming community of this country,” he continued.

He said that it was unfortunate to see the farmers blaming the county government for doing little to address their challenges yet there is little they can do since they get a very small budget.

Earlier, farmers in the area led by their chairman Hassan Mohamed lamented to the governor that they were better off before devolution, adding that the county government has done little to address their problems.

Jama said that he had requested the chairman of the agricultural committee in the county assembly, Abdi Dekhow, to find out why there are no national government activities seen in the county as far agriculture is concerned.

Jama said the engines which coast Sh30 million will go a long way in helping key farming groups across the county.

“The total value is about Sh30 million and they will help a number of key farming groups in the county. That is women farming groups, youth farming groups among others,” he explained.

He further said that his administration would give priority to the farming sector in the current 2016-2017 financial year.

“We will increase the budget from what was there before to ensure that we gain what we have lost in the past in terms of farming production.”

Jama also hinted that the county will have its first tomato processing factory before the end of this year, this he said was necessitated by the area’s ability to produce a lot of tomatoes which he said were going into waste.

“Before the end of this year we should have the first tomato processing factory in Garrissa County. Through partners and through relationships with donor institution from abroad we will ensure that the tomato processing business starts soon,” he promised.