Farmers have urged the county government of Kajiado to pass four bills that will revitalize and increase livestock and crop production.
The farmers, who attended public participation to deliberate on four agricultural bills hosted by the County Assembly Sectorial Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary Services, Fisheries and Irrigation, and the Consumer Grassroots Association, said that most farm produce in the area is imported from Tanzania because their cost of production is way more affordable.
The bills are; the Kajiado County Disease Control Bill, Pastoralists Development Centres Bill, Animal Welfare Bill, and Crop Agriculture Bill.
Kajiado North farmers called for emphasis on food safety to ensure the food in the market meets safety standards for consumption.
Kuku Ward MCA Lemomo Edwin Lewuantai said that the Crop Agricultural Bill, 2023 will provide registration for dealers involved in scheduled crops, and also deal with issuance, renewal, conditions, revocation or alternation, and appeals regarding licensing matters.
The bill also proposes the agriculture department to establish institutional linkages to coordinate the provision of credit, farm inputs and marketing.
Consumer Grassroots Association director Alice Nyaberi said the bill will protect consumers from unscrupulous farmers who disregard safety standards and continue to use banned pesticides.
The agriculture department will also be tasked to develop all aspects of scheduled crops with a view to promoting productivity, facilitating the provision of farm inputs, and promoting trade and access to markets.
It will facilitate the provision of infrastructure, provision of post-harvest services and technology, facilitating collection of farm products and storage, the training of farmers and provision of extension services, providing incentives to farmers, and the provision of credit facilities.
By Obegi Malack
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