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FARMERS GROUP ENGAGES IN BENCHMARKING EXERCISE TO ENHANCE AVOCADO CULTIVATION PRACTICES

The Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness, in collaboration with the Micro Enterprise Support Program Trust (MESPT) Agriculture and food Authority (AFA) Horticulture Crop Authority (HCD), sponsored a benchmarking exercise for the Soy Angaza Farmers Group on Friday.

The aim of the benchmarking is to improve agricultural practices and support local farmers.

The farmers were taken to Parachichi Center Sololo Avocado Farm, as well as the Kapsosio Avocado Group, all in Moiben Sub-County, to provide avocado farmers with hands-on experience and knowledge on various crucial aspects of avocado cultivation. Participants were guided through several key topics, including avocado establishment, field management practices, nursery management, and the latest technological innovations in avocation and Management Practices (TIMPs).

During the visit, Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mr. Elphas Kesio who accompanied the group praised farmers for their collective efforts.

“Working in groups has proven to be beneficial for farmers. The collaboration not only boosts their agricultural knowledge and skills but also strengthens their bargaining power in the market,” he affirmed.

Farmers had an opportunity to learn directly from experienced

practitioners at the various locations visited. Many expressed their admiration for the potential profitability of avocado farming, with one farmer sharing how he earned Ksh. 80,000 from a single avocado tree, which produced approximately 800 kg of fruit at a single harvest about 3,200 fruits, with each kg bringing in Ksh. 100.

The sessions emphasized the importance of adopting modern agricultural techniques to enhance productivity and profitability in avocado farming, an essential cash crop in the region.

MESPT’s Representative Luisa Jeptoo together with County vocal person, Mr. Wilbur Mutai alongside Coffee Officer Mr. Nicholas Maritim, highlighted the vital role MESPT plays in promoting sustainable agricultural practices within Uasin Gishu County.

Mutai remarked on the need for farmers to embrace innovative methodologies and to continuously seek knowledge to adapt to changing agricultural dynamics.

Representatives from the AFA HCD encouraged farmers to apply the knowledge gained once they returned to their respective farms. He emphasized that implementing these practices would optimize avocado production and maximize the benefits derived from their collective struggle.