Farmers get agriculture support

By PETER WARI
FARMERS in Southern Highlands received support from the provincial agriculture and livestock (PAL) division when they were given K103,000.
PAL adviser Kenneth Kuim said nine farmers and organisations were given the assistance through functional grants to support the minimum priority areas.
“Three potato farmers were chosen and given K5,000 each and one was given K3,000 – depending on the size of the plot – three fish farmers received K5,000 each while the Undiri Coffee Development Ltd received K60,000, Kori Coffee Ltd K10,000 and Dick Leo Coffee Farm K3,000,” he said. “These hardworking farmers and organisations have not been recognised in the past years and were given the assistance that will motivate them to continue farm the land.”
Kuim said the province needed inspirational farmers and organisations and their hard work was also part of awareness to persuade other villagers and youths to join them in farming.
DAL’s vision was to lead through the pilot potato project.
Kuim said the division lost three officers (deceased) and was handicapped to make visits to the districts.
He is working alongside with Amos Pakoni, who is heading the potato project. “DAL is ready to assist farmers with fertilisers and farming equipment,” Kuim said.
“After its office was razed during the political mayhem in 2017, it relocated its office at Agiru centre fifth floor.
“We want interested farmers to come and see us for assistance as I am strict with the functional grants.”
Kuim said he was thankful to World Bank and Coffee Industry Corporation for supporting coffee farming and National Agriculture and Quarantine and Inspection Authority for its support in the fight against the African swine fever that has resulted in the decline of the disease.