Linturi reveal plans for favourable agricultural environment if approved by Parliament
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Mithika Linturi has revealed his plans for favourable agricultural environment, policies and food security.
During his vetting by Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday, the CS nominee said that the supply of fertiliser is not a quick fix problem of what the country is having.
We are trying to support farmers to apply that fertiliser to the soils that need it. I will be able to test our soils and advise our farmers,” observed Linturi.
Linturi conferred that agriculture contributes almost 60 per cent of the country’s GDP hence a key pillar in transforming the country economy.
He asked Kenyans to remain patient over the current high prices of unga to come down soon unless the government is willing to continue with the subsidy. Linturi has however promised to engage stakeholders on the matter.
The CS nominee he will accelerate the roll-out of genetically modified organisms in the Country insisting that as a nation, we must add value to our agricultural products.
Linturi alluded that we need to have processors that can produce other products from milk for farmers to get good returns hence the need to subsidise farm inputs so that the cost of production of food is low.
He reiterated that as a CS, he will require Agricultural Extinction Officers to educate farmers and build capacity on the type of crops to plant in specific areas for optimal agricultural production.
” When people are dying today and they want food, the fastest way to ensure that they get food is relief food. You give them relief food because that is what they require for now… GMOs have come about due to lack of food. We must choose between what is a lesser evil; do we wait for people to die or do we give them GMO food?” posed Linturi.
Linturi stated that the sugar industry is a source of employment for many people in Kenya, promising to endeavor to have a serious discussion with all the players including Government to see how best we can revive this industry if approved for the position.
