At least 60,000 needy farmers in Tharaka Nithi County have received 120 tons of certified assorted seeds worth Sh35 million from the devolved government.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki started the program immediately after he took over the office and has immensely improved food security in the region that had been experiencing perennial hunger compelling residents to seek relief food aid.
Speaking while disbursing the seeds at Kiangondu chief’s camp in Chuka Igambang’ombe, Mr Njuki said for the last three years, the county residents had not sought relief food because they have been having enough harvest.
He said though the support does not reach all the farmers in the region, the others are also advised on the right seeds to plant.
“This program has improved food security in our county and that is why our people have not sought relief food in the last three years,” Mr Njuki said.
He added that apart from the seed donation, extension officers also educate farmers on the right farming for increased productivity and income.
The farmers are given different varieties of maize, beans and greengrams according to the ecological zones.
Njuki urged the farmers to plant the seeds before rainfalls and warned those planning to sell.
Farmers have hailed the program and urged the county government to offer more support to the agricultural sector.
