NGPU April 26, 2024

Nakuru County receives 30,000 avocado seedlings from the National Government’s State Department of Crops

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County has received a huge boost towards avocado farming, after receiving 30,000 avocado seedlings from the National Government’s State Department of Crops.

The seedlings will be distributed to the farmers for planting and will be key in enhancing the county’s food and nutrition security while providing an additional source of income to the farmers. This is in line with Governor Susan Kihika’s agenda of ensuring sustainable agriculture practices.

Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor, Agriculture Chief Officer Newton Mwaura, and Nakuru County Assembly Committee Chairperson for Agriculture, Hon. Isabella Makori received the consignment. The seedlings have an estimated maturation period of 18 months after planting.

The support will help improve the acreage from the current 10,000 acres under avocado across the county

Bor appreciated the support from the national government noting the county will have an increased 1,000 acres under avocado this financial year.

He highlighted the significant growth of the avocado sector in Nakuru County attributing the growth to empowered cooperative movements, a reliable market, and ongoing farmer training programs.

Additionally, he noted the distribution of the seedlings will be part of a broader program aimed at increasing forest cover, providing employment, and boosting income for communities across the county.

Head of Horticulture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Severino Manene said the national government is supporting the ongoing efforts by the county government to improve nutrition and the environment in the county.

Manene asked farmers to observe the required international standards to reap big in the International market as Kenya has been actively seeking to expand its avocado market.