Nakuru: Farmers have been urged to leverage technology in agricultural practices as a means to enhance productivity, drive agribusiness and overcome the challenges posed by climate shocks. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS), Mutahi Kagwe, noted that incorporating technology in agribusiness would help overcome barriers to entry in marketing and value addition, as well as deliver efficient, transparent, and last-mile extension services at scale.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at the Agricultural Society of Kenya Trade Fair in Nakuru, Kagwe emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to engaging farmers in adopting new technological practices. He stated that embracing modern-day farming methods will make Kenya food secure. Mr Kagwe said the solution to challenges facing agriculture, ranging from shrinking land size as a result of population explosion, poor yields, and food insecurity, lay in the adoption of modern farming trends.
‘It is high time as a County we embrace technology in agriculture and modern-day farming methods,’ said the Cabinet Secretary as he encouraged farmers to also adopt a broader variety of crops to maximise their income. He underscored the pivotal role of innovation in bolstering farming practices and increasing harvest yields.
First held in 1921, the Nakuru ASK Show is one of the oldest agricultural events in the region, covering the Central Rift Counties of Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Nyandarua and Laikipia. Over 180 exhibitors are showcasing the latest advancements in farming technology at this year’s event being held at the Nakuru ASK grounds until Sunday.
He reiterated the significance of technology in driving agricultural growth, citing its potential to increase farmer incomes and foster business opportunities, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Mr Kagwe, who was flanked by Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Chairman Dr Perminus Migwi, observed that climatic shocks continue to increase and the only way to manage it is through learning and adapting to new technology.
‘There is a global need for innovative agricultural solutions, particularly in the face of population growth, climate change, and environmental challenges. There are emerging technologies in the agricultural sector all over the world, and part of the discussion is to make sure that Kenya is not left behind in those discussions,’ Kagwe said.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Ministry plans to register farmers to start using technology in areas such as soil analysis and throughout the farming season, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible inputs. Mr Kagwe expressed his satisfaction with how youth have recently embraced agricultural practices in the country. He revealed plans to engage the Ministry of Education to align the future of young farmers and boost food security and production.
Mr Kagwe observed that with proper techniques, even small landholders could make full utilisation of the dwindling land resources with improved returns. Together with new farming techniques, the Cabinet Secretary asked farmers to also make a transition from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated farming in light of erratic climate changes characterised by late onset and early cessation of rainfall.
He assured farmers that the government was doing everything possible in ensuring the provision of irrigation water to all farmers through the sinking of boreholes and construction of water pans in different parts of the country. To supplement these efforts, the CS called on farmers to practise water harvesting and storage technologies for use during dry spells, which would go a long way in improving crop yields and production reliability.
He said there was a need for farmers to make a shift to drought-resistant and early-maturing crops as well as diversification to avoid over-reliance on a few crops that are at risk during drought. Mr Kagwe hailed research and educational institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organisation (KALRO) and Egerton University for developing climate-smart crop varieties and technologies to mitigate changing climatic conditions.
The Cabinet Secretary further advised farmers to embrace value addition mechanisms to boost revenue generated from end products like flour, which fetches more returns than the sale of maize. ‘Farmers should embrace agribusiness as a way of maximising returns. This is the best way through which this county can restore its glory of being the country’s grain basket,’ said Mr Kagwe.
He added that the ASK show provides a platform that will enable farmers in the country to learn and adopt the new technologies in farming. He said that in his visits to the various stands at the showground, he noted that there was plenty for the farmers to learn and practice at home. ‘We urge more farmers to attend this show since it offers them a chance to acquire new skills that will enable them to boost their productivity,’ he said.
The Nakuru ASK Chairman Dr Perminus Migwi called on farmers across the region to visit the showground and learn more about the emerging technologies in agriculture, adding that this year’s theme was ‘Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for sustainable Economic growth.’ The show features exhibitors from Agriculture, Finance, academic sectors and other government institutions that are showcasing services that they offer.
Dr Migwi said although different activities would be showcased at the fete, agribusiness was the major focus. ‘We recognise that the use of technology is making agriculture more profitable. Come and see modern trends of farming machinery being used to make farming very attractive,’ he stressed. Dr Migwi encouraged smallholder farmers to adopt mechanised agriculture to improve efficiency and increase production. He added that technological advancements like precision farming, mobile applications, and data-driven decision-making can help farmers optimise resource use and increase yields.
He advised farmers to embrace climate-resilient farming techniques, including water harvesting and drought-resistant crops, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Dr Migwi noted that digital platforms and tools can connect farmers with markets, provide access to information on best practices, and improve access to inputs. ‘The adoption of technology is a great leap forward in addressing challenges like climate change, pests, diseases and market access. Innovation is crucial for the future of agriculture, particularly in addressing challenges like food security and climate change,’ the Chairman pointed out.