Kisii County in drive to promote banana farming through technology

The County government of Kisii has embarked on a drive of promoting banana farming by partnering with a leading research agency; the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International( CABI’S) will present, showcase and train sustainable farming practices.

The training has been organized by the county banana production and marketing cooperative society and the Micro Enterprise Support Program Trust (MESPT). The 10 day event will take place at the Kisii Agriculture Training Centre

CABI’s lead agronomist Dr. Naphis Bitange said banana is a key staple for rural and urban homes, and is predominantly grown by small-scale farmers. The organization is intending to work with farmers to improve yield by reducing losses incurred due to plant diseases and pests. The training is necessary to enhance ability to identify pests and diseases and application of the right remedy.

“The lead farmers will disseminate the information to all farmers at the grassroots and this will enlighten them on safe use and handling of pesticides as they tackle pests and diseases challenges. Besides, they will have an understanding of the application of integrated pest management (IPM) principles on banana management and related value chains,” Bitange said.

For sustainable banana farming, service providers will be attached to the Kisii county cooperative, the sub-county agricultural officers and the county agriculture sector steering committee.

The Kisii executive for agriculture, fisheries and livestock development Elijah Obwori said the deal will play a key role in boosting production.

“I commend the two organizations for capacity-building our lead farmers who will serve as valuable resources within their communities, disseminating information on acceptable agricultural practices to other farmers with the support of already existing structures,” he said.

Obwori noted that implementation of the activities through the service providers was crucial in dissemination of learning technologies and job creation for youths.

The county executive member told farmers, at the end of the sessions on Wednesday, Governor Simba Arati’s administration will focus on agro-processing and value addition to improve farmer’s income to process 20 tonnes of bananas a week.

Kisii farmers have 16,000 acres under bananas with a production 240,000 tones each year.