By Reporter
Negative attitude towards agriculture by Homa Bay residents could plunge the county into food insecurity.
Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee for Agriculture and Livestock Oyugi Magwanga said there was need for the residents to embark on serious agriculture to enhance food security.
He warned that the county could face serious food inadequacy should residents continue to perceive farming as a punishment and dirty work.
Magwanga said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) currently supports various agricultural activities in the county and challenged the residents to support such noble initiatives aimed at economic empowerment.
” We are encouraging residents to engage more in farming because it will enable them to produce adequate food to become economically stable and improve their living standards,” he said.
Speaking during the county farmers’ field day at Ndiru in Kagan ward, Rangwe constituency, the deputy governor described agriculture as the backbone of each economy and called on the youths to embrace farming for their economic benefit.
He emphasized on the importance of farming to the youths, adding that it was the major industry that can help them create wealth.
“Food processing, cottage and textile industries which form part of basic human needs source their raw materials from farm produce are areas for venture in agriculture ” he said.
In the company of his chief officer Judith Nyambok and MildMay organization director Elizabeth Oluoch, Magwanga challenged youths to embark on farming and see if they will remain poor.
“The white collar jobs many youths are looking for are hidden in agriculture. We are asking our people, especially youths to do smart agriculture for your economic well-being,” he said.
During the field day event, the Homa Bay government pledged to provide farmers with drought-resilient seeds for continuous crop production.
The residents were sensitized on how to grow various horticultural, leguminous and cereal crops among others.
Parents were urged to allow their children to do farming in their land. The deputy governor discouraged people from selling land with the intention of using the money to buy motorcycles.
They were urged to grow cassava, potatoes, arrowroots and other crops which can resist famine.
Magwanga told the farmers to work closely with agricultural and extension officers in the county to advise them on better farming practices. The county government pledged to dig a dam to supply water for farmers to use for growing horticultural crops in the area.
“My department supports crop production by distributing better and quality seeds to farmers. Allowing your children to practice farming in your lands to enable them to embrace agriculture fully,” he added.
Nyambok asked farmers to adhere to the advice agricultural officers give them for better yields. She said food security is an important enabler for social development and good health.
“We’re advocating for women to have at least farmland where they grow crops. This will enhance the safety of the food we eat,” Nyambok said.
Oluoch said they focus on working with the county government and other partners to ensure sustainable food production.
“Mild May supports extension officers in Homa Bay to sensitize farmers on the best farming practices. We want sustainable crop production,” she said.
