Kisii County Governor James Ongwae today officially opened this year’s Southern Kenya Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), Kisii branch Show.
The Governor who was accompanied by Kisii County first lady Elizabeth Ongwae, Members of Parliament Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), Members of County Assembly and ASK national officials ,Kisii branch chairman Julius Bosire noted that agricultural shows play a key role in the promotion and growth of both agriculture and trade in the country.
“The exhibitions seen here are a showcase of modern technologies, skills and experiences that are useful to our farming communities and businesses in this region and beyond.
I encourage farmers to visit the exhibitions displayed to gather information and learn how to improve productivity in their various agricultural enterprises and businesses,” said Ongwae.
He observed that this year’s show whose theme is “Promoting Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade,” is relevant and cognizant of the challenges of the county that has high agricultural potential but is facing decreasing farm holdings due to increasing population.
“The new technologies will improve productivity and income in line with the Vision 2030, and my elections Manifesto and the Big Four Agenda,” said Governor Ongwae.
Ongwae appreciated the critical role that the agriculture sector plays in the economy and
encouraged farmers to diversify their enterprise and use appropriate technologies for improved results.
He indicated that the subsidized Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme his administration launched in 2016 has started bearing fruit.
“Already over 80,000 cows served under the programme have calved down. In the programme, farmers are accessing AI services for as low as KShs.500 down from Kshs. 3,000 charged by private service providers. AI service technicians stationed in each of the 45 wards are available on call for consultation and service to farmers,” he said.
He further encouraged farmers to form commodity marketing groups and cooperatives in order to enhance their access to inputs and produce marketing bargaining power and higher returns in agricultural enterprise investments.
The Governor urged show goers to attend in large numbers, especially the youth who are the future farmers of the County.
