Agriculture - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Government distributes 1000 doses of sexed semen to farmers to boost dairy sector

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202508 mins

The government has distributed 1000 doses of sexed semen to the Meru Cooperative Union farmers in a bid to boost the dairy sector in the region by improving the quality of the breed and increase milk production. Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma lauded the initiative as a sustainable step toward empowering local farmers economically. “This is about creating…

Sugar mills shut down as cane shortage hits Western Kenya

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202505 mins

Five sugar factories in the upper and lower western regions have temporarily closed operations following a government directive to allow sugarcane to mature. The shutdown, which took effect on July 11, 2025, will last for three months. The affected mills are Nzoia Sugar Company, Butali Sugar Mills, West Kenya Sugar Company including its Olepito and…

Senate proposes fast-tract of Seeds and Plant Varieties Bill to boost climate-resilient farming

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202504 mins

The Senate has proposes fast-tracking of a bill that will enable farmers to benefit from quicker access to drought-tolerant and climate-smart seed varieties, a new legislative proposal aimed at reforming the country’s seed approval system. The Seeds and Plant Varieties (Amendment) Bill, 2025 sponsored by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, seeks to establish a parallel registration…

NIA woes developing partners to expand rice production in West Kenya

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202506 mins

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is wooing development partners for a multi-billion shilling partnership aimed at revitalizing and expanding rice production in Western Kenya. This emerged during a high-level tour of Ahero Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, who was in the country to assess ongoing…

Coffee farmers to reap big once Cooperative Bill is implemented, CS Oparanya reveals

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202508 mins

Coffee farmers are set to reap big once government led coffee reforms take effect and the Cooperative bill is implemented to the letter. Co-operatives and Micro and Small Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the reforms will cut off farmer’s exploitation by cartels and brokers, strictly enforcing governance and leadership term limits to avoid mismanagement…

Government pilots Smart Chip System to revolutionize livestock traceability

Sacco ReviewJuly 12, 202504 mins

The government is in the process of rolling out an advanced chip-based identification system aimed at transforming livestock traceability and productivity across the country. Unveiled during the launch of the upgraded Nambale livestock sale yard in Busia County, the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) marks a bold step toward modernizing livestock management. At the…

UoN, MKU collaborate to train Machakos farmers on biological pest control

Sacco ReviewJuly 11, 202505 mins

Farmers in Machakos County have been encouraged to adopt the use of biological pesticides as a means of mitigating climate change and addressing the environmental harm caused by the prolonged use of chemical pesticides in farming. A training exercise for farmers was organised in the Kabaa area of Machakos County by the University of Nairobi…

NCE halts implementation of direct payment model to farmers

Sacco ReviewJuly 11, 202503 mins

Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) has put on hold implementation of the direct payment models to the coffee farmers on a weekly basis. The move to transition to the farmer direct payment model from the Direct Settlement Systems, (DSS) that remitted the coffee proceeds through the cooperative societies, was ordered to be suspended by the NCE Acting…

Elgeyo Marakwet distributes 7,000 avocado seedlings to boost conservation and livelihoods

Sacco ReviewJuly 10, 202504 mins

Elgeyo Marakwet County reached a major milestone in environmental conservation and rural empowerment, with the distribution of more than 7,000 avocado seedlings to farmers in Kapsumai Location. Speaking when she led the activity, Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek said the program forms part of a broader countywide tree planting programme that is being implemented in various…

Agricultural Cooperatives urged to contribute to food security

Sacco ReviewJuly 9, 202503 mins

Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Phanice Khatundi has urged agricultural cooperatives across the country to unite in ensuring food security and farmer support. The CECM who was speaking during 2025 International Day of Cooperatives (Ushirika Day) in Kitale said such alliances are critical in achieving long-term development goals….