NGPU May 12, 2023

County to ensure full implementation and sustainability of agricultural programmes

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County is committed to ensuring the full implementation and sustainability of agricultural programmes by the development partners in the county.

Among the programs implemented in the county is the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme II (ASDSP) which has led to the injection of over Ksh 93 million in the county to support the pyrethrum, cow milk and fish value chain actors in the county.

Today, Agriculture County Executive Member Leonard Bor accompanied by his Chief Officer, Kibet Kurgat led a stakeholders consultative meeting during the ASDSP bilateral mission visit in Nakuru which brought together programme beneficiaries, funding partners and the ASDSP II team.

The CECM noted that the programme covers 55 wards where over 11,393 value chain actors have been capacity built since the program began.

Bor further assured of the administration continued support to ensure Nakuru’s agricultural potential is achieved and more smallholder farmers’ livelihoods are improved.

In the pyrethrum value chain, 80,000 seedlings of pyrethrum tissue culture materials have been distributed to farmers resulting in an overall acreage increase from an initial 501 to 3280 acres and from zero acres to 200 acres under tissue culture.

In the cow milk value chain, the programme has established protein fodder bulking material for 9 Value Chain Organisations which has increased production from an average of 7 litres per cow per day to the current average production of 12 litres per cow per day.

Additionally, 7 groups have benefited after receiving milk ATMs.

In the fish value chain, 15 HP outboard engines have been distributed for use in Kenyatta Dam, Kuresoi North Sub-county.

Ponda Mali fish Mongers have received a solar-powered fish freezer to help reduce post-harvest losses.

Fish productivity in the county has increased from 2.2 MT to 3.4 MT for both capture and aquaculture.