Peace returns to Mt Elgon, but bulls remain behind

• It is expensive to rely on hired bullocks, manual labour and tractors

The officer said the district had 14,300 hectares under maize against a target of 18,100 hectares this season.

The good rains, he pointed out, would help the district surpass its targets.

“This district, which is suitable for cultivation of virtually all crops, is among the few areas in the country that will at the end of the day post better agricultural results,” said Mr Chemining’wa.

The officer appealed to farmers to take advantage of the subsidy in the cost of farm inputs and increase acreage under crops.

“Farmers are no longer complaining about high cost of fertilisers though they wish the prices could come down a little more,” he said.

However, he feels that farmers can save on transport costs if more distribution centres for farm inputs were opened up. “Bringing inputs closer to the people will be a step forward as farmers won’t travel long distances incurring costs.”

Distribution centres

Some farmers suggested additional distribution centres be put up at Cheptais, Kopsiro and Kaptama to enable farmers plough savings from transport into hiring manual labourers, bulls or tractors.

“We can top up the savings and replenish the bulls we lost,” said Mr Geoffrey Cheremoi who cultivates maize, onions, potatoes and beans in Masahek village.

Mr Cheremoi, 31, sells his produce at the nearby Chwele Trading centre and at times directly from his farm.

He noted that food insecurity was a threat in the country and farmers from agriculturally rich areas should be motivated to produce more.

Agriculture permanent secretary Romano Kiome has appealed to farmers to invest in the traditional food crops.

Dr Kiome said diversifying into other crops instead of over-relying on maize was the cure to the country’s food crisis which has threatened many livelihoods and people’s economic development.

This year’s maize yield is expected to decline to 20 million bags from targeted 27 million due to adverse weather in the country. In some parts, maize, beans and wheat withered before flowering.