SERVICE PROVIDERS EQUIPPED WITH ADVANCED PLANT HEALTH SKILLS

Chief Officer for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Emmanuel Kariuki, today presided over the closing ceremony of a six-day workshop organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) at Bukura Agricultural College.

The workshop brought together service providers from Homabay and Bungoma Counties, who gained critical knowledge in identifying and diagnosing plant health problems, managing field clinics, and offering farmers practical, locally available, cost-effective, and safe recommendations to improve productivity.

While addressing participants, Mr. Kariuki praised FAO and KALRO for their commitment to enhancing agricultural capacity across counties through evidence-based training. “This kind of collaboration is crucial for building resilient food systems. When our service providers are empowered, our farmers benefit directly through improved yields and better pest and disease management,” he noted.

He challenged the trainees to implement the lessons learned, stating that agriculture today requires creativity and innovation. “You are now agents of change , let your work in the field reflect the modern, smart, and sustainable farming practices our farmers need to thrive,” he said.

Mr. Kariuki later toured the Bukura Smart Farm, the nursery, and the sunflower demonstration plots, commending ongoing efforts to enhance climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. He reiterated that these programs are in line with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s agenda of modernizing the agriculture sector to ensure food security and improved livelihoods.

Also present Director agriculture Mr. Titus Omengo.