Nakuru farmers have been encouraged to also venture into Canola oil crop farming.
Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor says this is a move that will see many farmers benefit from the various products of the crop.
Speaking at Nakuru Agricultural Training Centre(ATC Soilo) during flagging off various vehicles with the canola oil seeds towards different sub counties, the CECM encouraged farmers to also oil seeds faming.
“This is the way to go. We want to ensure that oil seeds farming is encouraged among farmers. The crop has numerous benefits and the market for the products is already available,” stated CECM Bor.
The county is targeting Subcounties such as Kuresoi North, Kuresoi South, Rongai, Njoro among others.
CECM Bor stated that the Program was started last year with sunflower seeds.
According to him, 5 tonnes of canola have been flagged off to benefit over 600 farmers.
“Under the leadership of Governor Susan Kihika, the county is working to ensure that farmers benefit from this program through market as well as get feed for their animals,” he said.
The CECM added that this program is key on matters ensuring no importing oil from abroad or other countries and in return boost agribusiness.
He assured farmers of readily available markets, noting that Kenya has been importing so much cooking oil, but with the program, he added that there is Goodwill from the County government of Nakuru.
The CECM also called on farmers to ensure they join cooperatives as this will ease coordination.
Ms Rispah Koimet from Agriculture Food Authority on her part noted that a campaign is on towards oil crops.
She pointed out that this project aina at ensuring reduction of importation of oil products.
According to her, the soil in the country has been degraded hence need to think on new farming activities.
“We will capacity build our county staff so that they can capacity build farmers,” she stated.
Farmers on their part appreciated the county government of Nakuru for coming up with such initiative.
Led by Gladys Manyange who has a parcel of land in Njoro, says she has had interest in Canola oil seeds farming.
Having used the oil for cooking, she adds that she happened to visit Nyeri and saw canola large scale farming and she felt she can give a chance.
Ms Gladys has in the past grown maize and beans but she says her interest is in canola stating that it has numerous benefits.
“I have high expectations that the crop can be of great benefit to me especially with the readily available market,” she stated.
Sentiments echoed by Martin Kaplich from Kapkures in Nakuru Town West.
A small scale farmer, Martin believes that canola oil seeds farming can be a game changer in his life.
He pointed out that after harvesting maize in August, most of their lands remain idle, but with the canola, then they can engage in farming of the oil crop.
“This is one crop that will be a game changer in our lives and even on the county economy,” he said.