As the West Pokot County agricultural show kicks off residents have been advised to adapt to modern methods of farming as one way of eradicating hunger and increasing food production.
The county agricultural show has attracted a number of agriculture experts as hundreds of residents flocked in Kishaunet showground to expedite modern crop and livestock farming.
The much-anticipated three-day show and trade fair was officially opened by West Pokot Deputy Governor Robert Komole at the Kishaunet Showground.
Speaking after the launch, Komole said that under this years theme "Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth" farmers are expected to adapt to modern methods of farming for food surplus and sustainability.
"The event serves as a platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies tailored for sustainable agriculture and overall development, with the looming challenges posed by changing weather patterns, this exhibition is timely in addressing the evolving needs of farmers," he said.
"We also urge our farmers to leverage the current rains and plant short-term crops, especially our farmers in North Pokot who experienced total crop failure during the last planting season."
Komole urged farmers to use the opportunity to learn the best practices in farming and trading so that they can uplift households and the economy of the county.
"West Pokot County Agricultural Show and Trade Fair presents a significant opportunity for the community to learn and adapt to innovative agricultural practices, highlighting a pivotal step towards sustainable economic growth."
Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and pastoral Economy County executive Wilfred Longronyang advised farmers to plant short-term crops during this rainy season to boost food production.
"Farmers should engage trained officers to advise them on modern farming."
He added that the world is changing and farmers should move on from traditional ways of farming and adopt new technology of farming.
Frida Arusho one of the residents who had an exhibition stand at the show ground applauded agriculture officers for educating farmers on climate change and food variety for healthy living.
She said that although the economy is hard the government needs to empower local farmers by giving them free seeds and fertiliser to boost food production.
"Have brought some of my products for exhibition. More has to be done to enable people at the grassroots level to get the knowledge and adapt to the modern way of farming," she said.
