Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting agriculture as one of the main pillars of development in the Big 4 agenda.
He said plans to bring the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to Maua town in Igembe South sub-county and the new Kenya Creameries Corporation (KCC) factory to Kangeta in central India. Igembe were a clear demonstration of the larger plan to promote the sector in the greater Meru County
Speaking last Saturday at Maua Stadium in Igembe South sub-county at an agribusiness exhibition, Munya reiterated that it will not only provide jobs for residents but also generate income for farmers , sentiments that were reinforced by AFC Chairman Franklin Bet.
The CS also pledged to seek trade opportunities for miraa farmers internationally, adding that the government has engaged diplomatically with foreign countries to export the twigs.
“This will serve as a great sigh of relief to the predominantly miraa growing area which has recently faced myriad challenges due to the international market ban,” said CS.
The CS said the government was committed to ensuring farmers earn a good wage for their produce, citing an example with tea growers who it said would receive their main bonuses in June instead of early November as per the past.
He further said his office would liaise with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to offer NHIF cards to farmers.
“We will work with the NHIF to ensure that all farmers have NHIF cards to cover their health bills,” CS said.
By Kamanja Maeria
More Stories
Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in agricultural sector exceed Rs. 55 billion – – The island
SAU Vice-Chancellor emphasizes effective research in agricultural sector
Agriculture sector threatened by climate change, expert says – Pakistan