More than 7,000 farmers in Homa Bay have received sunflower seeds to support the production of edibe oil and enhance their economic activities in agriculture.
The Homa Bay government, through the support of the Agriculture Food Authority, gave out 27,250kg of sunflower seeds to the farmers to plant in at least 6,500 acres.
Distributing the seeds at Rawinji chief’s camp in Oygis town,, Governor Gladys Wanga and Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga said the seeds will enable Homa Bay to improve in sunflower production.
The variety they distributed is of high quality and produces a good quality of edible oil.
“The distribution of the seeds marks a good step towards making our farmers agriculturally empowered,” Wanga said.
“Engaging in agri-business will not only economically benefit them but also improve food security in Homa Bay.”
The governor said Homa Bay wants to take the lead in edible oil production.
Homa Bay government, under the Agriculture department, is also promoting the production of groundnuts, cotton, palm oil and soya beans, which are used in making oil.
Homa Bay is endowed with black cotton soil that is capable of supporting the growth of such crops.
Until the early 90s, Homa Bay was among the leading growers of cotton and sunflower.
Wanga asked the farmers who got the seeds to ensure they plant them.
“Our agricultural officers will be moving around to ensure the seeds are planted,” she said.
"Further distribution will be done to ensure all registered farmers get the seeds."
A kilogramme of sunflower is currently sold at Sh70.
A local cooperative society buys the produce and uses it to make oil.
“We hope to increase the purchase price of sunflower produce to encourage more people to grow the crop,” Wanga said.
"Homa Bay government will support the cooperative society in doing the packaging and appeal to buyers."
Residents, especially the youth, were urged to actively engage in agriculture as a way of becoming self-reliant. Youths will also have an avenue of getting employment.
Magwanga, who is also the Agriculture executive, said most industries in the country depend on agriculture.
He said the devolved unit will continue giving seeds to farmers to ensure the county is food-secure, besides creating empowerment for the youths.
“My department will make a follow up in every farm to ensure all beneficiaries plant the seeds,” Magwanga said.
"Let's not keep the seeds and fail to plant them because our agenda is to realise economic growth."
South Kasipul MCA Zachary Ongondo said sunflower production is one of the ways in which farmers can be wealth creators.
He said the county will be known for its edible oil production.
“We will compete with counties that are already in the business. If we take this venture seriously, some of the oil we will produce will be exported,” Ong'ondo said.
