By Elijah Gichunge
Picture; Phoebe Okall

Governor Kiraitu has promised continued promotion of agriculture for improved food security and income in the county.

While receiving mechanized agricultural equipment for the county through Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), in an handing over ceremony graced by CS Public Service, Margaret Kobia at the county headquarters, Kiraitu said the government would invest more in advanced technology to capacitate farmers for agricultural sustainability, in a statement echoed by his deputy who said Meru can no longer depend on the vagaries of unpredictable rainfall patterns.

FAO Country Director, Gabriel Rugalema, who was accompanied by program coordinator, EU Delegation to Kenya Stephen Wathome, said FAO, has had a three- year partnership with FAO in Support of European Union, in a program aimed at improving Productivity and Profitability by upscaling Good Agricultural Practices (IPP-GAP) which has imparted lives of at least 18000 small holder farmers and created about 500 job opportunities.

The CS emphasized on the need for technological transfer to the informal sector, produce less labour-intensive agricultural production tools that would facilitate growth of agricultural economy.

Carol Mutiga, Agriculture CEC said the department is keen to exercise its mandate, by training farmers on the best practices for improved agricultural outcomes.

Abdul Rahim, area MP, pledged his support to all county program’s aimed at alleviating hunger and foster development.