The County Government of Nakuru has taken a significant step towards enhancing local agriculture by distributing 7,000 kilograms of certified sunflower seeds to 2,500 farmers. This initiative seeks to promote sunflower farming in the region and is part of a broader strategy to increase edible oil production locally, reducing dependence on imported cooking oil.
Nakuru Collaborates with AFA to Boost Sunflower Cultivation
This collaboration between Nakuru County and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) exemplifies a concerted effort to support farmers and strengthen Kenya's agricultural sector. The initiative aims to encourage more farmers to cultivate sunflowers, which are a vital source of edible oil and other valuable products.
The move is also aligned with national policies to accelerate sunflower and soybean production. According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, the government plans to reduce edible oil imports, which currently meet more than 90-95% of the country's demand, by ramping up local production through initiatives such as this.
In recent months, Nakuru has also distributed additional sunflower seeds and certified seedlings to further support local farmers. These efforts are part of the county's commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and transforming local agriculture into a more sustainable and profitable sector.
As the government continues to implement policies fostering domestic food and oil crop production, local farmers in Nakuru and beyond are poised to benefit from increased support, resources, and potential market opportunities, ultimately contributing to Kenya’s goal of import substitution and food security.
