Huge turnout as Kirinyaga County hosts annual agricultural field day

There was huge turnout at the Kirinyaga Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education Training Centre at Kamweti as Kirinyaga County held its annual farmers’ field day.

The much-anticipated event, themed ‘Advancing Agricultural Innovations for Sustainable Livelihoods’ was held over the weekend bringing together thousands of agricultural stakeholders including farmers, cooperatives, agro-processors, and financial institutions, students from various primary, secondary and tertiary learning institutions

It provided a platform for farmers to gain valuable knowledge on best agricultural practices, modern farming techniques, value addition, and financial inclusion.

Speaking at the event, Dr. John Gachara, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries, lauded the turnout and the diversity of exhibitors present.

“We are happy to have such a good turn out because it provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange among the various stakeholders especially our farmers who are going to learn more on value addition and processing.” said Dr. Gachara.

He emphasized the county’s focus on value addition, stating that it is the best way that can assure farmers of reaping maximum benefits from their produce, noting that the exhibition provided an opportunity for the farmers to connect with potential value addition and processing partners as well as financing institutions that support value addition enterprises.

Farmers expressed their gratitude for the initiative, citing the significant impact such training has on their productivity and profitability.

John Mwangi, Mutira Ward Chairman of National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), praised the institution’s role in enhancing agricultural growth in Kirinyaga. “Kamweti institution has brought a lot of growth to Kirinyaga’s agricultural sector because all the farmers who have come here have gotten to learn a lot,” said Mwangi.

He noted that coffee farmers had received training on optimizing their harvests for better profits, while farmers specializing in horticultural produce such as tomatoes and cabbages were educated on value addition.

“Fish farmers, livestock keepers, and poultry farmers have also received important training on the best feeds to maximize profits. There are also stands by banks and local SACCOs training farmers on how they can access loans and providing free financial advice,” he added.

Maureen Wakio from Mukure Ward noted that the opportunity had sharpened her coffee farming skills. “We are here in to get training on coffee farming and to enhance our skills in new coffee farming techniques. We know that this training will help us improve our harvests, as we know that secret to profitable coffee farming is increased yields,” she noted.

She expressed gratitude to the county government and Governor Anne Waiguru for spearheading such initiatives. “Over the years, farmers have received much-needed training, which has improved their yields thus enabling us earn a respectable living.” She added.

Lydia Njeri, a poultry farmer, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn best practices in rabbit, poultry, livestock, fish, and maize farming. “I have also gained knowledge about tuber crop farming, which I am looking forward to trying, as well as value addition techniques such as turning sweet potatoes into crisps and using carrots to bake cakes,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Simon Ngatia, a farmer from Inoi Ward who appreciated the training on poultry, fish, coffee, and livestock farming. “I am happy to be here as I have gained new farming techniques that will greatly improve my production. There is also training on the best seeds for different cash crops and proper planting techniques,” said Ngatia.

The Annual Field Day reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural innovation and empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable livelihoods.

Agriculture is the backbone of Kirinyaga’s economy thus the county government’s commitment to increased production and productivity. Through the past years, Governor Waiguru’s Wezesha Program, has been focused on supporting farmers to increase production of various valuechains.

The program is now focused on leveraging technology and innovation, mass production, bulk marketing, value addition and processing.  Already the county government has established 20 ward  valuechain based SACCOs and is developing a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Sagana proving an avenue for farmers to market and process their produce.

Last year, Governor Anne Waiguru also assented to the Kirinyaga County Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) Centre Act, 2023 providing a legal framework for Kamweti training center’s administration as well as funding to meet its training and research objectives. The ATVET is now on the path to providing effective competency-based training, research, technology transfer and agricultural development.