Nakuru farmers ditch maize for drought resistant crops

Ms Margaret Wambui in her sweet potato farm in Subukia she said she shifted Maize farming to sweet potatoes after maize was affected by disease in the last season PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

Farmers in Subukia, Rongai and Njoro sub-counties are ditching maize for drought and disease resistant crops.

The farmers said they have abandoned maize farming after they incurred huge losses due to maize lethal necrosis that affected maize production last season.

Nakuru County Executive for Agriculture Stanley Chepkwony hailed the farmers' decision and urged them to also embrace new farming systems and diversify food crops.

"Farmers, especially in Rongai, Subukia and Gilgil, should grow sweet potatoes," said Dr Chepkwony.