Sh200m to buy produce from Wajir farmers

WAJIR COUNTY: Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has said his government will spend Sh200 million to purchase produce from local farmers.

Speaking to The Standard, the governor said the move aims to support farmers and nudge them towards crop farming.

Mr Abdullahi said his government's intervention would cushion farmers from losses caused by lack of a market for their produce.

"Farmers who invest in crop farming should not worry because the county administration will offer solutions to their marketing problem by buying everything that has been locally grown and putting it in storage for use during drought," he said.

The governor urged local farmers to double their efforts during this rainy season, adding that the rains helped them save on fuel costs incurred when they pump water to their farms.

"Most areas of the county are currently receiving short rains and we want our farmers to work extra hard. I want to assure them that our pledge to take up to Sh200 million worth of cereals, maize, sorghum and beans from them still stands," he said.

Abdullahi also pledged support to livestock keepers across the county, saying the government would train farmers on best practices for animal husbandry as well as vaccinate all their livestock.

MEGA DAMS

The governor also observed that in this financial year, his administration had established mega irrigation dams in Buna, Habasweyn, Laghboqol and Arbajahan to harvest rain water for both agricultural and livestock use.

He said the county also purchased five tractors that were rented out to farmers at very affordable fees.

In early October, the Agriculture department was further tasked with distributing free seeds to all farmers just before the short rains started.

The governor said plans were under way to have training in modern farming techniques for local farmers.