Throngs attend clinic for lessons on farming

Tens of farmers from South Nyanza and other parts of the country yesterday attended the Seeds of Gold farming clinic at the Agricultural Training Centre in Kisii town.

The clinic, organised by Nation Media Group, and various partners, aimed at educating  farmers the best  practices to increase yields from crops and livestock.

The farmers were drawn from  Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Narok and Nyamira counties.

Ms Florence Angwenyi from Bonchari sub county appreciated the knowledge taught at the clinic but noted the time was short.

SILAGE

She  said she was eager to learn about dairy cow production as she intends to start the venture soon.

 “I now know how to construct my unit, what heifer to buy and making silage and hay,” she said.

 Besides dairy cows, there were sections for poultry, goats, fodder production, maize, beans and bananas.

Peter Njeru from Simba Corp called on farmers to embrace modern technology in agriculture, partly enabled by enhanced equipment.

BENEFITS

“Use of modern equipment like vehicles for transport would ease activities on the farm,” he said. 

Mr James Aura, from Elgon Kenya Ltd, one of the major partners of the event, said  over time, the clinics have changed farmers’ lives.

“We have seen farmers benefit from our trainings. Most have embraced agribusiness,” he said. Kisii County Agricultural Director, Mr Nathan Soire, said over 600 farmers attended the event. He noted the region had great potential in agriculture that was yet to be tapped, thus, the clinic would greatly help boost food production.

SEEDS

Agriculture executive Esman Nyantika challenged farmers to work with extention officers to get professional advice on various farming methods.

He said farmers in the region must change the way they do their farming by embracing certified seeds and better agronomical practices.

Nation Media Group partnered with Elgon Kenya, Simba Corp, Egerton University and Cooper-K Brands Ltd in the event.