The Governor of Meru County, H.E. Kiraitu Murungi has called on farmers to be more proactive and take with seriousness, the various training and learning programs being availed to them by the County Government and partners through field days and other farmer empowerment and awareness opportunities.

The Governor said that for the farmers to learn best practices in production, storage and marketing of crops and earn maximum profits, they have to be willing to be trained by various authorities in agriculture such as KEPHIS, and other organizations that are being invited in the County from time to time, to provide education, training and awareness.

"It is sad and shocking, that when our farmers are invited for farmer field days, first they have to ask whether they will be provided with transport reimbursements, lunch and other small monetary facilitation, without realizing that the training and information they will receive in these trainings, is worth more than the expected cash tokens. This is bad especially, because it is affecting our people even in public participation exercises where residents are meant to attend and give views on development and policy making," said the Governor.

He spoke at Mitoone Primary School, Kiirua-Naari Ward, when he presided over the Eastern and Central Region Potato Fair. CEC member for Agriculture Caroline Mutiga said that her Department will continue educating and protecting farmers from exploitation to ensure they make the best out of their hard work.

Trade and Cooperatives CEC member Maingi Mugambi said that his Department will work with all stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the New Potato Regulations in order to protect both farmers and traders in the Potato sector. These sentiments were echoed by Kibirichia MCA Hon. Elijah Thuranira, who also explained the laws and regulations passed by the County Assembly, to protect and safeguard potato farmers.

The event was also attended by the CEO of National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and a renowned specialist in potato production, Wachira Kaguongo. Potato is one of the four value chains Governor Kiraitu’s Government is investing on, with others being macadamia, avocado and bananas.
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