Kiambu County to give over 100 tonnes of seeds to farmers

Kiambu governor James Nyoro has donated over 100 tonnes of seeds to farmers.

The county says the seed boost will increase food production and mitigate the effects of Covid-19 in the county.

While flagging the consignment of 112 tonnes of maize seeds, 6 tonnes of bean seeds, 1.5 tonnes of sunflower seeds and 0.5 ton of canola seeds, the county boss said the Sh 50million worth of planting materials will be distributed to suitable ecological zones to ensure high yields.

He said that his government has also identified, and is working towards signing MoUs with oil companies and forming a cooperative for canola and sunflower farmers to help market their products. 

In addition, Nyoro said that the 200 tons of basal fertilizer blends will also be distributed to farmers.

“The seed varieties being distributed were selected by farmers based on performance of samples given to them for testing. The county has also upscaled into emerging crops such as canola and sunflower,” said Kiambu Governor James Nyoro.

Nyoro added that his administration will continue to source for hybrid seeds whose crops mature early with high yields.

While lauding the farmers who benefited from the previous programs, Nyoro added that the next phase will benefit even more farmers.

Farmers welcomed the initiative saying it enabled them to get the right, high yielding varieties for maximum benefits.

“I am now in a position to commercialize my farming having received the best seeds. I look forward to maximum benefits from this initiative,” said Jane Nyambura, a farmer from Ngoliba ward in Thika.