Governor Bii Rallies Farmers to Utilize Long Rains as Government Boosts Agricultural Productivity

Jonathan Bii Chelilim has urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing long rains by returning to their farms for planting, as the government intensifies efforts to boost agricultural productivity and improve farmer incomes.

The governor made the remarks during the official opening ceremony of the Eldoret National A.S.K Show in Eldoret, where he represented Kithure Kindiki.

Addressing farmers, agricultural stakeholders and exhibitors at the event organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya, Governor Bii emphasized the importance of making full use of the favorable weather conditions to increase food production.

He noted that both the national and county governments are working closely together to strengthen agricultural value chains, improve access to farm inputs and expand market opportunities for farmers across the country.

According to the governor, collaboration between different levels of government is critical in addressing challenges facing farmers and ensuring the agricultural sector continues to grow.

“The long rains present an important opportunity for farmers to plant and increase production. We encourage our farmers to return to their farms and take advantage of this season,” he said.

Governor Bii also highlighted ongoing reforms in Kenya’s coffee sector, noting that the government is implementing strategies aimed at increasing productivity and improving returns for coffee farmers.

He explained that the reforms seek to raise yields from an average of two kilograms per coffee tree to about 10 kilograms, while increasing Kenya’s national coffee production from approximately 50,000 metric tonnes to 102,000 metric tonnes within the next two years.

The governor added that these measures are expected to revitalize the sector and enhance the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who depend on coffee farming.

On farm inputs, Dr Bii revealed that fertilizer distribution for the current planting season is progressing steadily across the country.

He noted that the North Rift region has already received about 1.1 million bags of fertilizer out of the 3.8 million bags targeted for distribution nationwide under the government’s agricultural support programme.

The governor said timely delivery of fertilizer and other farm inputs will help farmers maximize yields during the current planting season and contribute to national food security.

The annual agricultural show in Eldoret brought together farmers, agribusiness players, researchers and government officials to showcase innovations, share knowledge and discuss strategies aimed at transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector.