Govt develops agriculture mechanization policy

The Government is in the process of developing a National Agriculture Mechanization Policy which will provide guidelines that will set standards and regulate the use of agricultural machinery and further work with development partners to enhance easy access of the machinery.

Speaking during the opening of training for operators of the newly acquired agricultural machinery in Ahero, Kisumu County, Cecily Kariuki – the Agriculture Principal Secretary – said the policy will play a critical role in ensuring an increase in the country’s use of farm machinery.

“The center has great potential for rural industrialization through the development of Agro-based cottage industries,” said Ms Kariuki.

Currently, mechanization of farm operations in the country stands at 30%, a situation that complicates the fight against food insecurity.

The Ministry has developed a National Rise Development Strategy which envisages a vibrant center that focuses on production, processing as well as marketing.

The Ministry will also facilitate the access to affordable farm input and machinery.

Ms Kariuki reiterated that if mechanization in farm operations is embraced, the agriculture sector in rural areas will speed up industrialization through agro-based cottage industries, thus increase agriculture’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and ensure food security.

Planting, crop protection and harvesting through the use of machinery is viewed as key value additions in increasing productivity.

To rice farmers, she said that the government had developed a National Rice Development Strategy focusing on increasing its production, processing and marketing in order to improve the economy of rice farmers.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, who was in attendance, called on the Ministry of Agriculture to aid in expansion of the total scheme acreage in the region in order to cut down on the funds used in importation of rice from other countries since Kisumu has a potential of producing more.

The National Agriculture Policy, which broadly aims at creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth of agriculture with an aim of reducing poverty and ensuring food security through increased crop production and employment opportunities, also noted that there was a remarkable increase in the use of farm machinery.