By: Emily Mikwa
The Czech – Kenya Agriculture Delegation today visited Kisumu County to meet the County Government of Kisumu, investors and farmers to discuss possibilities of collaboration on matters mechanization in the agricultural sector.
The meeting held in Acacia Premier Hotel, was organized as a result of constant communication with the Czech government after having attended the Kisumu Investment Conference held last year in December. During the conference, Czech Republic had interest in investing in a number of value chains in Kisumu County.
Speaking during the meeting, the CEC, Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Gilchrist Okuom thanked the Czech Republic for finding time to showcase the various mechanization, innovation and technologies in smart agriculture.
He challenged the investors and farmers present in the meeting on the need to shift from human power production to mechanized agricultural in order to boost food production in the region.
Mr. Okuom further noted that the show casing of different brands of tractors and machines for value addition would create jobs for the youths. Besides the mechanized pressing of cotton and sun flower seeds would give by product for making animal feeds that would benefit the farmers.
Mechanization he said would reduce timelines for doing farming, hence going forward Public Private Partnership with the Czech Republic will boost production.
Admitting that farmers and investors have always had financial challenges, he thanked Equity Bank who were also present in the meeting to present some of the financial services that those in the agricultural sector can access to grow their businesses.
The Chief Officer Livestock and Fisheries, Madam Rosemary Raluoch said the interaction between Czech Republic and the stakeholders within the agricultural sector will create a collaboration that will improve investment in the agriculture sector.
She added that the presentations by companies from Czech government in mechanization, smart agriculture, innovation and technology provides areas and opportunities that the county can harness through collaboration such as the Mamboleo slaughter house that is underutilized and also in the area of feed (silage)production, specifically, the Kisumu Dairy center in Chemelil.
According to Czech Embassy, Head of Economics, Marta Anna Ledgard, said they are proud to offer solutions for the mechanization of very high quality and also expertise and know- how partnerships.
She appreciated that the session has enabled them show case some of the company’s products in smart agriculture mechanization and utilization of agriculture products through value addition. It has also created possibilities of mutual collaboration and learning from each other.
Marta is committed to support and enable future collaborations in offering solutions in the sector of agriculture. a part from Agriculture, they also offer solutions in health care.
