Come and learn new farming methods at show, Kitui residents urged

Residents of Kitui have been urged to take advantage of next month’s agricultural show and trade fair to learn about innovative drought combating technologies.

Agriculture and Livestock executive Stephen Kimwele said the annual event slated for July 25 to 27 will present the perfect opportunity for Kitui residents to understand the importance of adopting innovation in farming and livestock keeping.

“This year’s agricultural show will be a platform for learning, networking and showcasing innovations in farming techniques and technologies in fostering agricultural development for food security,”  the CECM said.

Kimwele addressed the press at the Ithookwe show ground on Wednesday when he led members of the show planning team in an inspection tour of preparations. He was accompanied by Agriculture chief officer Gladys Kivooto.

"The agricultural show will be the mother of all agricultural shows in Kenya. It will present a golden opportunity for our farmers and stakeholders to learn, exchange ideas, and exhibit their innovations and achievements," he said.

The CECM called on farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural enthusiasts and firms dealing with agricultural produce to participate in the show and trade fair by securing slots to display their technologies.

He further said the show was moribund for years until it was revived last year. The revival underscores Governor Julius Malombe's commitment to support and empower local farmers through initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture.

“I thus further encourage farmers to take advantage of the resources and expertise available at the agricultural show to improve their farming and also explore new opportunities in the sector,” he said.

Chief officer Kivoto called on farmers to attend the show and practice the technologies on display at their farms. She said the county did not realise a good harvest following the March-May rain season.

“At the show, we will be having demonstration farms where the latest technologies will be on display. It will be an opportunity to expose our farmers to modern farming techniques,” she said.

Kivoto said adoption of modern technology was the sure way to ward off recurrent crop failure in Kitui. She said it was the reason Governor Malombe revived the once stalled Kitui show and trade fair.

She further said that the county administration was intent to ultimately see a paradigm shift by Kitui farmers from subsistence farming to largely commercial farming.