The National Agricultural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) is engaging farmers in Homa Bay to implement farming activities in four selected value chain areas.
The projects which are undertaken in poultry, dairy, cotton, and banana (tissue culture) will ensure registered farmers are supported to increase and improve production in each sub-sector.
The farmers have already received a total of Sh58 million from the government to enhance their businesses.
The money was issued to farmers by the NARIGP through Agriculture Department in Homa Bay.
NARIGP is a state project that is implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries, and Irrigation.
The projects coordinator Erick Adel said they have identified 71 farmer groups from six constituencies in Homa Bay to implement the project.
The constituencies include Ndhiwa, Kasipul, Rangwe, and Homa Bay Town.
“The farmers are expected to utilize the funds in expanding their agricultural ventures. Each project has its value addition to ensure expansion in business,” Adel said.
Speaking during the distribution of cheques to the farmers, Adel said the beneficiaries are already operating under cooperative societies.
The distribution was presided over by Governor Gladys Wanga and her Deputy Oyugi Magwanga.
Some of the beneficiaries are Hosrand Dairy, Rangwe Dairy, Kasbondo Aim Dairy, Ndhiwa Dairy, and Great Wang Chieng Poultry Farmers Cooperative Society.
The first four groups deal in milk production and processing while the fourth group processes poultry feeds.
Magwanga who is also the executive member for Agriculture said the project will help in ensuring food security.
He urged youths to join farming to realize economic benefits.
“The project ensures there is quality food production for good health. Farmers are also able to earn and create wealth,” he said.
Wanga said they are hopeful the farmers would increase their production should they utilize the funds prudently. She said this will improve food security.
She added that the products each group makes should be seen on retail shelves.
“Let’s strive to have our own and locally made products. The government is ready to do marketing and promotion on behalf of the farmers,” Wanga said.
In the dairy, the farmer’s group is expected to have products like yogurt, paschal milk, and other products which the dairy cooperative societies make.
The same products will be showcased at the agricultural show which will be held in August in Kendu Bay, Karachuonyo constituency.
Wanga said funds issued to the farmers should also help in the promotion of value addition in agricultural produce.
“We are hoping to see the economy in villages around the cooperative society change because money has been made available,” she said.
The county government plans to use products sourced locally in feeding programs in early-year education.
Wanga said milk processed by the farmers will be used in nutritional programmes for ECDE schools.
