Sorghum deal to benefit arid zones farmers
In 2009, EABL contracted Kenya Agricultural Research Institute seed unit and Western Seed to produce the sorghum seed which was distributed to about 3,000 farmers in eastern region in the last planting season between September and October. Photo/LEONARD MAGOMBA
Residents of semi-arid areas in the country are set to receive a boost to their income following a commercial sorghum farming programme by a beer maker.
Over the past year, East African Breweries Ltd has been running sorghum-growing pilot projects in Eastern Province’s 17 districts and has commenced purchase of the harvest.
Often not sufficient
If sustained, the venture could deliver the people in those areas from reliance on seasonal rains which are often not sufficient for other forms of agricultural activities.
The brewer, through its subsidiary East African Maltings Ltd initiated this project as part of its ongoing strategy to produce alcoholic beverages using locally grown raw materials and developing technologies.
“This new sorghum growing initiative in semi-arid areas is expected to impact the livelihoods of over 25,000 farmers by providing an extra source of income to benefit the communities in which the sorghum is grown,” agriculture manager Lawrence Maina said at the malting division.
At the moment the brewer plans to use sorghum in making its Senator range of products.
“The company plans to use the sorghum as part of its innovation strategy and produce alcoholic beverages that will use sorghum as its main ingredient,” Mr Maina said.
