Nakuru County has received the second batch of 30 tonnes of sunflower seeds from the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA), marking a significant boost to its sunflower promotion program. The latest seed distribution is set to increase the county’s sunflower acreage to 15,000 acres, benefiting over 8,000 farmers.
Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor announced that the second phase of the program will cover 10,000 acres, building on the success of the first phase, which saw 15 tonnes of seeds distributed to 3,900 farmers, covering 5,000 acres.
“With this second batch, we aim to expand sunflower farming and support our farmers in increasing their productivity,” said Bor.
The expected yield from this initiative is 3,000 metric tonnes of sunflower, which will contribute to the establishment of an oil processing and refinery plant at the Agricultural Training and Development Centre (ATDC) in Nakuru. Bor highlighted the county’s collaboration with AFA to set up this facility, which will add value to the sunflower harvest and create new economic opportunities.
Agriculture Chief Officer Newton Mwaura encouraged farmers to embrace sunflower farming as a rotation crop, noting its short maturity period of just three months. “Sunflower farming not only improves soil health but also provides an additional income stream for our farmers. We are committed to supporting them throughout the process,” said Mwaura.
He added that extension officers will provide technical support to farmers from planting to harvesting, ensuring that they adopt best practices for maximum yield. “Our extension officers are on the ground, ready to guide farmers to enhance productivity,” Mwaura emphasized.
Also present was Nakuru County Crops Officer Lilian Samoei, who reiterated the county’s commitment to advancing agricultural development and enhancing food security.
The sunflower promotion program aligns with Nakuru County’s broader agricultural strategy to diversify crop production, boost incomes, and establish value-addition chains that will benefit the local economy.
Good idea:I have 3 acres of land in molo, can I be contracted in the sunflower program.