Siaya staring at a possible food shortage

Siaya staring at a possible food shortage

Bondo Sub County’s agriculture department has expressed fear that there may be a food shortage in Siaya due to farmers’ reluctance to engage in farming activities during this short rains season.

According to the area Crop Officer, Denis Omedo, only 250 acres have so far been cultivated in readiness for the short rains compared to 3,000 acres of land that had been prepared at a similar time last year.

He expressed concern, noting that this could lead to low yield by the time of harvesting, hence the anticipated food shortage in the region.

The officer, who stated the Ministry’s tractors are currently lying idle, observed that this could also lead to high food prices because there would be low supply of commodities such as maize, beans and sorghum which are some of the staple foods in the area.

Omedo, who was addressing the press at his office Tuesday, September 27, attributed the cultivation apathy to low production levels during the long rains between March and May this year, noting that farmers seems to be afraid of investing in crop farming due to erratic rainfall patterns experienced this year.

The crop officer has, however, encouraged the farmers to cultivate their lands in good time, noting that they should just ensure they use certified farm inputs and embrace the use of mechanized farming to enhance production this season.

He at the same time advised farmers to practice inter-cropping, saying that they can plant cassava, potatoes and traditional vegetable alongside maize to ensure they have adequate food supply throughout the year.

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