A private investor is set to put up an ultra modern organic Millet and Sorghum processing plant in Kibwezi targeting 1,000 farmers.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Organic Millet Team leader Virendra Karsanji Rawal on Tuesday inked a partnership deal for establishment of the plant.
The project is set to promote cultivation, processing and marketing of millet and sorghum to enhance food security, promote sustainable development and economic well being of farmers
The county Government of Makueni, Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE) and Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust(MESPT) have invested Shs.11 Million to fully sponsor 480 trainees, including youth and women farmers, for agricultural skills training at the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre in Kwakathoka.
This was disclosed by the Agriculture and Irrigation Executive Joyce Mutua on Friday evening during the closing assembly ceremony that marked their transition to industrial attachment opportunities.
According to Mutua, the funds covered tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and exam fees for the 3-month coursework.
“The course cost approximately Shs.11 Million with a 25% contribution from the county government while ADSE contributed 60%. MESPT contributed15%,” said Mutua.
This first cohort of trainees comprises 60 youth and 420 women farmers who underwent comprehensive training on horticulture courses as well as dairy and poultry farming over a duration of three months before proceeding for an additional farm-based practical program lasting another three months in various established agribusiness ventures within and outside Makueni County.
Further, Mutua observed that the women farmers also received extensive training through farmer field schools and will continue until May when both groups will graduate after completing their respective training.
Agriculture and Irrigation Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo who also graced the ceremony added that upon completion, some of the trainees will receive start-up capital for their agri-business investments.
However, Mutua stressed that subsequent cohorts will share training costs with both partners to ensure program sustainability going forward.
Farmers are now celebrating their bumper harvests, thanks to the County Government of Makueni and its Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development.
The department provided high-quality seeds for maize, beans, cowpeas and green grams to 27,000 households in need.
Furthermore, the county established seven fertilizer depots which have significantly reduced the distance farmers used to travel to access fertilizers.
These stores include Kikima and Tawa in Mbooni Sub-County; Mukuyuni in Kaiti Sub-County; Kithumani and Kitise in Makueni Sub-County; Kasikeu in Kilome Sub-County; as well as Kilungu situated within Kaiti Sub-County.
CS Linturi has committed to set up a cold store for the farmers produce at the aggregation center.
The Ministry through its partners have also supported 10 other micro irrigation schemes along River Athi and in the main seasonal rivers in Makueni under the CIVAP programme.
CS Linturi also committed to push for the thwake dam irrigation component where 40,000 acres around the area stand to benefit.
This scheme will serve 485 acres.
Agriculture & Livestock CS Mithika Linturi accompanied by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior today flagged off grain dryers for Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties and thereafter launched distribution of sunflower seeds and subsidised fertilizer to farmers across the County.
Over 200 farmers on Wednesday were trained on dairy farming techniques at the Makueni Agricultural Training Centre.
The event was graced by Joyce Mutua, who serves as the CECM for the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative development.
The training was organized in conjunction with Unga Farm Care and Remington to provide better ways to enhance milk production through improved dairy feeds and collective improvement in dairy farming practices. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in dairy production.
The participating farmers came from four dairy member cooperatives within the Lower Eastern Dairy Cooperative Alliance (LEDCA), namely Kaiti, Kilala, Wote and Kathonzweni.
Mutua commended the farmers for their eagerness to attend such training sessions and emphasized that the county government is committed towards revamping dairy production through initiatives such as Kikima and Kathonzweni milk processing plants.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr spend a significant portion of his Friday engaging with accomplished agribusiness farmers in Mavindini, an exceedingly arid ward within the county.
These farmers have adopted climate-smart agricultural technologies to achieve optimal productivity and profitability.
The Makueni County Government is committed to providing support to these farmers as well as other emerging ones, with the goal of transforming agriculture into a lucrative venture, particularly for younger generations.
The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development is leading this initiative in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The scope of works includes excavation of the dam, fencing installation, cattle troughs and sanitation blocks construction, masonry tank building, piping works installation and draw-off point establishment.
The rehabilitation of the dam is being implemented through the National Agricultural & Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) and funded by the World Bank.
Upon completion, the 67,000M³ capacity dam will provide water for irrigated farming to almost 7,000 local residents.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr on Tuesday at an event organised by The County Department of Agriculture hosted Co-operatives & Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui who was in Makueni to sensitize farmers on coffee reforms geared towards revamping the sector.
CS Chelugui announced an increment of coffee cherry fund from Shs.2 Billion to Sh. 6 Billion. As a result, he announced a minimum price of a kilo of cherry at Sh 80, a move he said is meant to encourage farmers to invest more in coffee production.
The minister decried a major decline of coffee production nationwide, from 141,000 to 25,000 Metric Tons in the last 3 years, explaining the need for the coffee sector reforms.
Other reforms include reviving the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) and Coffee Board of Kenya. CRF will undertake specialized research in all problems affecting coffee production while the Coffee Board of Kenyawill undertake promotion, market research and product development initiatives for Kenya coffee in the domestic and international markets.
On his part, Governor Mutula Jnr pledged his unwavering support to coffee farmers and committed to partner with the National Government to make the sector a lucrative venture for farmers.
Further, Governor Mutula Jnr beseeched President William Ruto to waive the farmers’ outstanding loans owed by various millers which he revealed run into millions of shillings, terming the loans as a major setback in coffee profitability to local farmers.
Agriculture and Water Executives Joyce Mutua and Engineer John Kieti respectively on Monday graced the groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Ngosini Dam. This event signals the official start of the rehabilitation project, with all necessary machinery and experts from the county government already on-site, indicating a swift and efficient commencement.
Upon completion, the 67,000 cubic meter dam is expected to bring substantial benefits to 640 households in Muvau Kikumini and Mavindini Wards through irrigation. This development holds the promise of enhancing local agriculture, ensuring water access, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for the communities involved.
The funding for this vital project comes from the World Bank through the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), in collaboration with Makueni County Government. This partnership underscores the commitment to sustainable development and addressing key issues related to water resources and agriculture in the region.
