Nairobi: The Nakuru County Government has taken significant steps to enhance the potato value chain by intensifying its sustainable agriculture initiatives. These efforts aim to boost the incomes of farmers and strengthen food security for households that primarily depend on farming.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a Farmers’ Field Day held in Kamara Ward, Kuresoi North Sub-County, Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor highlighted the county’s dedication to promoting safe and responsible farming practices. The event, organized by AAK-GROW in collaboration with Starlight Farmers’ Cooperative Society under the Mashinani Initiative, revolved around the theme ‘Safe and Responsible Handling of Pest Control Products: A Key to Food Safety and Food Security.’
As a prominent potato-producing region, the event focused on educating farmers about the safe handling of pest control products. Farmers received guidance on purchasing pesticides from PCPB-licensed agrovets, proper transportation and storage of chemicals, adherence to label instructions, observing pre-harvest intervals, using personal protective equipment (PPE), engaging spray service providers, understanding exposure risks, and safe disposal of empty pesticide containers.
Bor emphasized the importance of adopting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to minimize reliance on conventional pesticides. Training also covered best planting techniques, such as intercropping for soil fertility, efficient use of agricultural inputs, and effective seed and harvest storage using diffuse light stores.
He stated, “As a county, we remain committed to promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable farming. Days like this remind us that food safety begins at the farm-in the choices farmers make and the knowledge they apply. When we handle pest control products correctly, embrace integrated pest management, and adopt good agricultural practices, we protect our soils, crops, and health while securing the future of food production in Nakuru.”
Bor praised the partnering organizations and farmers for their dedication and urged continued collaboration to build a safer and more productive potato value chain.
AAK-GROW/CropLife Kenya, a key partner in the initiative, continues to advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security by uniting stakeholders in the pest control sector, including producers, manufacturers, importers, formulators, distributors, and users of pest control products.
Farmer Mercy Wathaka noted the importance of practicing farming with care for the environment, plants, and animals. Other partners present at the event included Syngenta, Bayer EA, Corteva Agriscience, Osho Chemicals, Botachem, Twiga Chemicals, CKL Africa, OCP, EA Seed, the National Potato Council of Kenya, CGA, and Baraka College.
