KAKAMEGA COUNTY CONCLUDES FREE SOIL TESTING CAMPAIGN

The County Government of Kakamega through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives in collaboration with the USAID funded Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (KCDMS) on Wednesday concluded a County-wide soil testing campaign carried out with an aim of assessing the fertility of soils to guide on the proper management practices such as the type of fertilizer to use.

According to the in-charge CECM Mr Benjamin Andama who oversaw the exercise, the free testing provided a clear understanding of the nutrients required for particular soils across the County, key in guiding on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Soil Management Practices.

The CECM said as an essential component for production, the soil PH, for instance should be determined as it helps to predict prevailing nutrient conditions in the soil, terming the process a game changer; and termed the process a game changer to food and nutrition in the County in line with H.E FCPA Governor Fernandes Barasa’s agenda on Food Security and Nutrition.

KCDMS through its implementing agencies Sirikwa Dairies (Northern region) and Tumaini Agrovet (Central and Southern region) recruited staff who worked closely with the Agricultural extension officers to collect samples for testing across the County.

The County is also working with the partners to create farmer awareness.