Market a boost for Enga Farmers

 By TAUNA GEORGE 

Local farmers in Enga can now have access to a ready-made market.

The provincial government and Innovative Agro Industry Ltd signed a deal last Friday for the establishment of an Agro Industrial Services and Training Centre, a modern high-intensive farm to be located at Sirunki.

The primary goal of the joint venture company is to grow potatoes, onions and strawberries and other vegetables by engaging small farmers.

“The model of the project is based on engaging small farmers and at the same time capitalise on their knowledge, but we will also introduce new knowledge and techniques,” Ilan Weiss, chairman of IAI said.

“The outcome is a clear path to grow some of the produce but majority of the produce will be grown by the small holders.

“Farmers grow very good produce but these produce is not reaching urban markets.

“We will become the market for the farmers where they will bring their produce to us and we will transport it to urban centres.

“The public-private partnership project, which is worth K23 million, will cover operations areas such as electricity, storage facilities, cooling centres, training centres, fertilisers and irrigations systems and water tankers.

“A new technology will be brought in to protect against frosts.”

Weiss said the project, which is to start in 12 months’ time will see direct employment of 100 people while 320 households will be engaged to produce and provide vegetables.”

He said 12 people from Enga will be sent to Israel to take up 12 months’ innovative agriculture courses and will return to become trainers.