Hundreds of farmers at Juja Farm area in Juja Constituency, Kiambu County have received certified seeds and avocado seedlings to help them tackle food insecurity and increase forest cover.
Farmers from the semi-arid area that has been experiencing low rainfall received Haraka 101, a hybrid maize variety that will facilitate easy growth and bumper harvests.
According to area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Geoffrey Mucheke, the maize variety will see farmers start harvesting in 90-100 days with each stalk expected to produce two maize cobs.
Speaking at remotely located Athi village in the expansive Kalimoni Ward, Mucheke revealed that the maize seedlings are tolerant to attack by diseases and are the best choice for prolonged storage.
Distribution of the seedlings is part of Kiambu County’s program of supplying Ksh5 million worth of certified seeds and 30,000 avocado seedlings.
“We are committed, as a county to ensure that our people have enough food on the table and some extra to sell. We are distributing different varieties in various areas depending on weather,” he said.
Farmers in semi-arid areas
Mucheke decried that farmers in semi-arid areas buy the wrong varieties of maize which yielded less hence low income.
Lack of knowledge on what to plant, soil infertility, poor seed variety, and erratic weather conditions, he said, are the main challenges facing farmers.
On their part, residents decried that the lack of water for irrigation has been pulling them back from achieving their food security goals.
They regretted that most of them often experience starvation and rely on relief food, a narrative they vowed to change with a new maize variety that they said will enhance their food production.
Led by Joseph Ngige and Florence Wangari, the residents also undertook to plant enough trees in the area to conserve the environment that they said will attract rain and thereby facilitate their farming activities.
“Juja farm is known for low rainfall and poor farm yields but our land is very fertile. Given water and support from the government, residents here can self-sustain and even feed people in other areas,” noted Wangari.
During the same event, the residents received an early Christmas treat from Mucheke who urged Kenyans to exercise mercy to the vulnerable and enjoy the festivities responsibly.
