More than 1,000 farmers in Gem subcounty, Siaya county, are set to benefit from a programme seeking to promote traditional sorghum varieties that produce high quality malt.
The project initiated by Kenya Breweries Limited will see contracted farmers grow local varieties which are cost effective and not eaten by birds. Victor Onyango, field officer in charge of Siaya county, said KBL has been undertaking a pilot project, where 60 farmers earned Sh3 million from sorghum farming out of the 76 tonnes harvested.
Onyango said they have sensitised farmers to embrace sorghum, especially local varieties, since it is easier to handle and is not attacked by birds.
“We are encouraging farmers with adequate land, preferably five acres and above to partner with the KBL in its seed bulking programme targeting traditional seeds,” he said.
He spoke during the distribution of sorghum seeds to local village elders at Ujimbe Primary School in North Gem ward.
KBL is also working with village elders to sensitise them on the need to grow sorghum. “We are targeting to promote production of traditional seeds which are used to produce high quality malt.
The initiative will benefit farmers who will access quality seeds at cheap prices,” he said. Currently, the company is working on modalities to identify farmers in Gem who have huge parcels of land.
The farmers will be used at distribution points in other parts of the subcounty. The seeds will be supplied through aggregators and registered farmer groups contracted by the KBL as the project picks up.
The company is also working with the youth to realise food security and reduce crime. KBL has introduced a variety which takes only three months to mature.
“KBL provides a ready market and will be very prompt in purchasing the crops from farmers once they mature,” he said.
Area assistant chief George Ooko said insecurity has reduced in areas where sorghum farming is taking root. Farmers led by Agnes Achieng’ and John Owino praised the initiative, adding that sorghum production has positively impacted their lives.
Another farmer, John Odhiambo said he has built a stone house through sorghum farming.
Patron Sam Opot praised the sorghum project and urged local farmers to leverage on KBL’s initiative to increase production and improve their socio-economic wellbeing.
He said re-introduction of the crop through support from the beer giant saw farmers make Sh3 million last season.
“We started with 60 farmers who produced 76 tonnes. The harvest was bought by KBL, which paid our farmers Sh3 million,” he said.
Opot said the number of farmers has now increased to 1,000 in Asayi, Sirembe and Got Regea sublocations. He urged local farmers to take advantage of the ready market and venture into sorghum farming.
Opot said security has improved and locals now have more money in their pockets. Plans are underway to launch the programme in the entire constituency.
“Our aim is to empower our people economically through poverty eradication instead of making them vulnerable to handouts from selfish politicians,” Opot said.
Last year Murang’a government launched a sorghum farming project in areas that previously depended on mango farming.
The county made a deal with KBL to engage more than 2,000 farmers through the Lower Murang’a Cooperative.
During the launch of the project
in September, Governor Irungu
Kang’ata said sorghum faming
will benefit the semi-arid parts of
the county had been left behind
economically due to the minimal
rainfall they receive.