Empowering farmers with modern agricultural .techniques.

Agriculture stakeholders and organizers of the upcoming Kilimo Expo have shed light on the eagerly awaited event scheduled for Tuesday next at Kenyenya Stadium. 

The expo, dedicated to showcasing modern farming technologies, aims to provide valuable insights and innovation to farmers at the grassroots level.

John Cliff, a farm Chemist from Rainbow Agro-Science, Zephaniah Ooga working with Kenya Seedco also a chaiman at Kenyenya expo, and Robert Onyancha who deals with growing of passion fruits and Ovacado say the Expo will also provide market linkages for farmers.

During the interview at Getembe TV, Ooga stressed the importance of bringing modern agricultural practices closer to farmers. 

"The primary goal of Kilimo Expo is to reach out to all farmers, particularly those in rural areas, and educating them on the benefits of adopting modern farming techniques. "We aim to empower farmers with knowledge, access to quality seeds, and the ability to make informed decisions."

Soil health was another crucial topic discussed during the interview. Ooga advised farmers to use fertilizers that are soil-friendly and avoid those that degrade the soil over time. 

He also encouraged farmers to test their produce before harvest and avoid harvesting immature crops. 

Protective clothing during chemical handling was emphasized as a safety priority, with Cliff urging farmers to wear gloves, masks, and boots to protect themselves from potential harm.

With over 100 companies expected to participate, the event will offer demonstrations and training on various topics such as livestock management, soil fertility, and safe pesticide use. 

Cliff shared insightful advice on chemical safety, emphasizing the importance of rotating chemicals to prevent pest resistance and reduce effectiveness.

 He highlighted on the significance of milk hygiene, stressing the need for proper preparation and cleanliness during milking to ensure the health and productivity of high quality and quantity of milk.

"It is important not to use the same chemical each time you are spraying your livestock to avoid pest resistance."

The harmful effects of using chemicals to burn weeds were also addressed, advocating for more sustainable methods like manual weeding and mulching.

Crop rotation remains an essential ingredient for long-term productivity.

Cliff explained how it balances soil nutrients, controls pests naturally, and increases harvest yields.

Soil health was another crucial topic discussed during the interview. 

Onyancha advised farmers to use fertilizers that are soil-friendly and avoid those that degrade the soil over time. 

He also encouraged farmers to test their produce before harvest and avoid harvesting immature crops.

The role of agricultural surveyors in providing technical support to farmers was mentioned, with.

He called for more support for these extension officers, especially in remote areas.

With a lineup of informative topics, the Kilimo Expo is expected to be a transformative event that will empower farmers and enhance food security in the region. 

Organizers anticipate a high turnout and encourage farmers of all scales to attend and benefit from the expert knowledge that will be shared.