Laikipia Governor opens county Agri-business trade fair

By Bob Aston

Laikipia Governor Hon Joshua Irungu was the guest of honour during the official opening of an Agri-business trade fair that started on March 20, 2014 at Nyahururu Stadium in Laikipia County. The two day event is set to end on 21^st March. The trade fair has been organized by Kenya Livestock Producers Association in collaboration with the Laikipia County Government and has been officially sponsored by Airtel Kenya. The theme for the Agribusiness Trade Fair is “Farming is big business.”

Governor Irungu being shown certified seeds

The main objective of the trade fair is; To afford the regions farmers, service providers and industry suppliers a unique opportunity to showcase their products for benchmarking and trade, expose agricultural sector stakeholders to new technologies and ideas for better efficiencies and quality, provide a platform for short seminars and demonstrations to small scale and large scale players in the livestock sector, to showcase outstanding breeds for different livestock and to encourage farmers to invest in farming as a business.

Stakeholders exhibiting their products include; Airtel Kenya, Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA), Kenya Highland Seed Company Ltd, East Africa Seed Company Ltd, Equity Bank, Family Bank, Kenya Women Finance Trust Fund, Organic Africa, Brade Gate Poultry Industries, Juhudi Kilimo, Elgon Kenya Limited, Simlaw Seeds, Spring Valley Machinery Services Ltd, Nobert Herbal Products and Pannar Seed (K) Ltd.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Laikipia County Governor Hon Joshua Irungu said that the County Government is focusing on undertaking capacity building for farmers and farmer organizations in value addition as well as encouraging storage and packaging of livestock products.

“I would like to encourage farmers in Laikipia County to enhance value addition to their beef and dairy produce individually or as groups through the establishment of cottage industries or small processing plants. This way farmer’s income will be enhanced and more jobs will be created for the benefit of our rural population,” said Hon Irungu.

Governor Irungu viewing one of the Exhibition stands

Governor Irungu also said that the County Government is encouraging development of supportive infrastructural services, promoting fodder production and high quality livestock feeds, reclaiming and developing livestock holding yards and livestock stock routes.

 “Farmer organizations are important vehicles in the agricultural value chain approach. I therefore urge farmers to form and join such organizations in order to enjoy the economy of scale,” said Hon Irungu.

Governor Irungu urged livestock farmers to improve production and value chain skills. He said that farmers should shift from subsistence production to start focusing on commercial production as it has huge potential.

“Beef and dairy production are the most important livestock activities for farmers in Laikipia County. It is important for farmers to adopt efficient ways of production,” said Hon Irungu.

Governor Irungu said that they are establishing disease free zones within the county as well as intensifying security along the border. He said that relevant County Government departments are currently addressing the poor infrastructure network and marketing channels in the county.

One of the exhibitors receiving a trophy

“Use of modern farming methods and technologies will help improve efficiency of livestock production to our farmers. This calls for intensification of production system and proper management of resources so as to enhance productivity from the area,” said Hon Irungu.

Geoffrey Gikungu, National Chairman, Kenya Livestock Producers Association urged farmers to implement what they will learn during the two day event. Gikungu asked farmers to join groups so that they can be taught on different aspect of livestock farming like fodder management, water harvesting, value addition and soil testing.

Some of the highlight of the two day Agri-business exhibition include ; Dairy Products,  E-dairy, rabbits, quails, bee Keeping, agro-chemicals and seeds, financial services products, Insurance Services, agricultural  products and farm machinery and equipments