Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Ministry gives farmers seeds for traditional crops
By Peter Orengo
The Government is distributing seeds for indigenous food crops worth Sh650 million.
The plan to invest in traditional foods is meant to cushion farmers from adverse weather patterns.
Speaking after he flagged off trucks carrying the seeds in Nairobi on Friday, Agriculture Minister William Ruto said the Government had embarked on developing good quality traditional seed crops to enhance food security.
"While we make every effort to enhance production of maize and other crops that form the staple food of our country, we realise we have to expand that base," said Mr Ruto.
Cassava, sweet potato, cowpeas, sorghum, millet and bean seeds will take pressure off maize production, he said.
Strategic reserves
Food output and strategic grain reserves were hit by last year?s post-election crisis, a prolonged dry spell in many parts of the country and high input prices.
The crisis has left about ten million people in need of aid, prompting the Government to declare a national emergency and appeal for help.
"All of us are aware of the challenges we are facing in terms of food supply," Ruto said.
The traditional crops seed distribution programme will target 25,000 farmers annually, he said.
Production of indigenous food crops has declined over the years due to lack of planting materials, low interest by seed companies and changes in eating habits, yet they are known to cope well in dry weather.
Ruto said plans to facilitate the sale of sorghum by farmers to a local brewer could raise their incomes.
He added he was hopeful his ministry would get a higher allocation in the 2009/2010 financial year.
http://www.eastandard.net/hunger/InsidePage.php?id=1144008396&cid=562&
By Peter Orengo
The Government is distributing seeds for indigenous food crops worth Sh650 million.
The plan to invest in traditional foods is meant to cushion farmers from adverse weather patterns.
Speaking after he flagged off trucks carrying the seeds in Nairobi on Friday, Agriculture Minister William Ruto said the Government had embarked on developing good quality traditional seed crops to enhance food security.
"While we make every effort to enhance production of maize and other crops that form the staple food of our country, we realise we have to expand that base," said Mr Ruto.
Cassava, sweet potato, cowpeas, sorghum, millet and bean seeds will take pressure off maize production, he said.
Strategic reserves
Food output and strategic grain reserves were hit by last year?s post-election crisis, a prolonged dry spell in many parts of the country and high input prices.
The crisis has left about ten million people in need of aid, prompting the Government to declare a national emergency and appeal for help.
"All of us are aware of the challenges we are facing in terms of food supply," Ruto said.
The traditional crops seed distribution programme will target 25,000 farmers annually, he said.
Production of indigenous food crops has declined over the years due to lack of planting materials, low interest by seed companies and changes in eating habits, yet they are known to cope well in dry weather.
Ruto said plans to facilitate the sale of sorghum by farmers to a local brewer could raise their incomes.
He added he was hopeful his ministry would get a higher allocation in the 2009/2010 financial year.
http://www.eastandard.net/hunger/InsidePage.php?id=1144008396&cid=562&