13 tonnes of certified seeds distributed to strengthen food security in semi arid Kerio Valley

RENNISH OKONG’O-KNA

At least 13 tonnes of certified, climate-resilient seed varieties have been distributed to farmers in Kerio Valley through a targeted intervention by the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening adaptive capacity in arid and semi-arid areas.

The distribution comprised 6.5 tonnes of drought tolerant Nyota bean seeds, 4.32 tonnes of fast maturing dry land DH04 maize seeds, and 2.5 tonnes of sorghum seeds, all selected for their high yield potential, early maturity, and resilience to moisture stress.

Beneficiaries were drawn from Endo, Arror, Lower Sambirir, Lower Emsoo, and Lower Tambach areas, all characterized by erratic rainfall patterns and recurrent dry spells.

Governor Wisley Rotich, who led the exercise alongside technical officers from the Department of Agriculture, emphasised the strategic importance of input support in optimizing farm level productivity under climate variability.

“Kerio Valley holds immense potential in agricultural production. 

Through sustained input provision and the promotion of climate smart agriculture, we are enhancing the capacity of our farmers to achieve optimal yields despite prevailing environmental constraints,” said Rotich.

The Governor indicated that the distributed inputs are projected to facilitate cultivation across approximately 1,400 acres under rain fed conditions.

“We plan to put about 1,400 acres under crop production. Specifically, 6.5 tonnes of Nyota beans will cover 324 acres, 4.32 tonnes of maize will plant approximately 430 acres, and 2.5 tonnes of sorghum seeds will be utilized across about 630 acres,” he stated.

He further noted that the intervention is anchored in the county’s Pesa Mfukoni economic empowerment framework, which seeks to enhance household income through market oriented agricultural production.