Embu County government distributes 19 tons of maize seeds to 38,000 farmers to boost food security

Embu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Jamleck Muturi (right) hands over a packet of maize seeds to a farmer at Mukangu village in Ruguru Ngandori ward// Image; Martin Fundi

Embu County government distributes 19 tons of maize seeds to 38,000 farmers to boost food security.

Embu County government in partnership with Local Development Research Institute (LDRI) has distributed 19 tons of maize seeds to farmers. 

                          

Through the county's department of agriculture 38,000 farmers from 12 different wards received the seeds after being trained on the best agricultural practices. 

This comes after Embu county government in conjunction with Green Revolution of Africa trained 380 village based advisers (VBA) up from 191 trained last year. 

The village based advisers trained on best agriculture practices later conveyed the know-how to 100 farmers in each of their villages who benefited from the seeds. 

A farmer receives maize seeds at Mbuvori village.// Image By Martin Fundi.

Embu County Governor Martin Wambora said that the project is a step forward towards achieving one of President Uhuru Kenyatta's big 4 Agenda on food security.

Embu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Jamleck Muturi said that the county is keen on supporting farmers to increase yields as a way of making them self-reliant. 

"Last year 7 wards benefitted, we have scaled up to 11 wards this year and we look forward to reaching more wards next year," said the CEC. 

Wards that benifitted from the project include Kithimu, Nginda, Mbeti North, Mbeti South, Nthawa and Evurore. 

Farmers from Kagaari North, Kagaari South, Gaturi and Kyeni South received the seeds as well. 

Others include Ngandori and Runyenjes central. 

Farmers lauded the project saying that, "this will help us plant at the right time."

The seeds were from different seed companies including Pioneer, Western seeds and Leldet Seeds Company.