Nakuru County government has partnered with Smart Farm Africa in maximizing on the potential that the youths have in realizing improved Agriculture sector.
This has seen the realization of the 1st Nakuru Agri-Tech Talks and Exhibition Event at the Nakuru Agriculture Centre as well as the launch of the launch of Nakuru County Youth Agricultural Program.
Speaking during the launch, Mr.Gabriel Rugalema from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations called on the youths to embrace use of technology in Agriculture to boost the sector.
“Agriculture is very paramount to any nation and the youths in Nakuru and Kenya as a whole must now be involved in Agriculture” he said.
He added that as FAO, they will continue to partner with county government of Nakuru and other Agricultural partners in ensuring success of the sector.
According to Mr. Rugalema, youths can deliver greatly in the sector if they are boosted through expansion of Agri-Tech opportunities.
“As FAO we shall continue to work with the county government and other stakeholders in expanding the opportunities for our youths” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru County Director Ministry of Agriculture Ms Grace Kirui.
She says the county government is working on addressing challenges that hinder many youths from venturing into agri-business.
“We realized most youth face challenges that hinder them from venturing into agri-business and that is why as a county we are partnering with stakeholders to address the same” said Ms Kirui.
Smart Farm Africa CEO Bernadette Murgor calling on the youths of Nakuru County and the nation at large to embrace Agricultural entrepreneurship.
She says this can only be achieved through focusing on innovation as well as embracing Technology in Agriculture.
“We want our youths to become Agri-Business Entrepreneurs and thinks as business persons when it comes to Agriculture” said Ms.Murgor.
Sentiments echoed by Menengai Ward MCA Wilson Mwangi who represented the Agriculture committee in the county assembly of Nakuru.
According to MCA Mwangi, the county government through the assembly has set aside funds to boost youths who involve with Agricultural activities.
In avocado farming, the county has set aside 30 million for the purchase of seedlings, and 15 million for pyrethrum farming.
While noting that there shall be establishment of a poultry slaughter house, the Mca called on youths to think of venturing into poultry farming too which he says has a lot of market.
He added that as a county assembly they will continue to ensure that in the next financial year, more focus in given to agricultural sector.
“We are happy that the youths are now embracing agriculture. As assembly we shall also continue to ensure more funds for the sector” said MCA Mwangi.
It will be noted that Nakuru County has a potential in agriculture sector which is also one of the agenda of the Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui as well as the Big 4 agenda on Food security.
PHOTO/Pristone Mambili:Smart Farm Africa CEO Ms Bernadette Murgor addressing media at the 1st Nakuru Agri-Tech Talks and Exhibition Event at the Nakuru Agriculture Centre.
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