Exhibitors gear up for inaugural South Rift trade fair

What you need to know:

  • Exhibitors are expected to showcase their latest technologies and strategies aimed at maximizing production.
  • “We are also interested in the disposal of empty pesticide containers and obsolete pesticides as well as proper use of pest control products so that residue does not get into the produce and the environment,” said Sikuku.

Many farmers are expected at the inaugural South Rift agribusiness fair set to kick of on Friday.

The South Rift Agribusiness 2015 Trade Fair to be held at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation in Njoro, Nakuru County will bring together dairy industry players and investors in the agro-chemicals and fertilizers.

Exhibitors are expected to showcase their latest technologies and strategies aimed at maximizing production.

Major milk and food producing counties, including Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Kajiado and Nyandarua are already in top preparations ahead of the event organised by the Primecom Events Ltd for Agrochemical Association of Kenya (AAK), Fertilizer Association of Kenya and Kenya Dairy Farmers Federation.

Richard Sikuku, the AAK CEO said there will, among other things, emphasise on creating awareness about counterfeit pest control products which he said have flooded the market.

PESTICIDE CONTAINERS

“We are also interested in the disposal of empty pesticide containers and obsolete pesticides as well as proper use of pest control products so that residue does not get into the produce and the environment,” said Sikuku.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 poor farmers in Nakuru will get free seeds and fertilizers for the new planting season courtesy of the county government.

The supplies will be made in the next few days following the onset of rains, according to executive for Agriculture Stanley Chepkwony.

He said only poor farmers will benefit from the plan as the county seeks to enhance food security.

“The government has identified 75 farmers from every ward who will benefit from the plan as we seek to address food shortage in the county,” Chepkwony said.

The executive also warned farmers against a looming Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) which has caused huge losses in many parts of the country. “I am calling on farmers to consider planting other crops,” Chepkwony said.