The Trans Nzoia government plans to distribute high quality seeds to farmers in a bid to increase maize production this year by 10 per cent.
The county produces six million bags of maize annually but Governor George Natembeya has said he would seek to increase the yields for local consumption and commercial purposes.
He said the county would distribute free certified seeds to small-scale farmers in the region.
The seeds will be packed together with the subsidised fertiliser distributed by the national government and the county.
“We still do not produce adequate maize in our country and our county is a high producing area with even greater potential that we want to exploit by, especially, targeting the small-scale farmers,” Natembeya said.
He spoke at Kitale show grounds after presiding over a passing out parade for the newly recruited enforcement officers.
The distribution of the seeds and more fertiliser will start on March 1, according to the county boss.
Natembeya's administration commenced the programme dubbed “Mbegu initiative” last year, with beneficiaries citing an improvement in maize production. The programme will be expanded this season to benefit more farmers.
Trans Nzoia is known for maize production even though other crops do well owing to its good climatic conditions. The maize planting season starts in mid-February.
"We want to completely eradicate hunger in our county. This can only be realised if we help our farmers by availing certified seeds and fertiliser," the governor said.
He warned area leaders against politicising the seed distribution programme.
He said some of his critics are fond of opposing his programmes without weighing the benefits to the people of Trans Nzoia.
“As leaders we all have to work together on supporting our people to achieve development. It's not good to oppose all good things just because of politics,” he said.
At the same time, Natembeya also disclosed that in two weeks’ time his administration would start issuing bursary cheques for applicants from poor families.
He said 10,000 students in secondary schools would benefit from the programme.
Natembeya said the programmes he has initiated to help transform the county were on course. He seeks to reduce poverty and illiteracy, while improving access to clean water, education and healthcare.
The passing out event was attended by Public Service executive Julia Ruto, county secretary Truphosa Amere, Lands executive Janerose Mutama and Boniface Wanyonyi (Finance).
