Farmers in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County, have been urged to embrace modern farming technologies and practices to boost productivity, improve food security, and increase household incomes.
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The call was made during a Farmers’ Training and Agricultural Expo held at the Chuka Picnic Grounds, which brought together farmers, agricultural experts, agro-dealers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
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The training focused on pest and disease management, efficient use of farm energy, mechanization, nutrition, and the importance of using quality farm inputs to improve agricultural production.
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Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, event organiser, Erick Gitonga said the training was organised in collaboration with the Tharaka-Nithi County Government, Remington Africa, and other stakeholders in the agribusiness sector to expose farmers to modern technologies and improved farming practices.
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“We usually visit one county once a month to reach out to different groups of farmers. We were targeting 1,200 farmers and exceeded our expectations here in Chuka,” said Mr. Gitonga.
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He noted that inadequate rainfall had contributed to reduced agricultural output, particularly among poultry and dairy farmers, adding that the organisers use cooperatives to mobilise farmers because many of their target customers belong to such groups.
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Gitonga said the training targeted both small-scale and large-scale farmers, noting that farmers needed to put into practice the knowledge acquired during such sessions.
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“Training does not help you as a farmer unless you are able to sit down and implement what you have learnt,” he said, adding that success in farming also depended on the willingness of farmers to adopt new practices and improve their enterprises.
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Nancy Ng’ang’a, the Unga Farm Care Regional Manager for the Mountain region, said the company had partnered with farmers for many years by providing knowledge and solutions to their farming challenges.
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She said their focus at the Expo was mainly dairy farming, particularly calf rearing, while also showcasing animal feeds and mineral supplements.
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“Today, we came to give knowledge and train farmers on calf rearing. Ours was more of a dairy farming Expo. where we displayed our minerals and feeds and engaged with farmers to understand the challenges they are facing,” said Ms. Ng’ang’a.
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She emphasised the importance of proper calf management, noting that healthy calves were the foundation of productive dairy herds.
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“A healthy calf grows into a cow that gives the farmer the milk they want. It basically has to start from proper calf rearing,” she said.
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Ms. Ng’ang’a said the company, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, was committed to helping farmers treat agriculture as a business rather than merely a way of life.
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“We want farmers to be knowledgeable and to do farming as a business, not just to farm,” she said.
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She acknowledged that some farmers were initially reluctant to adopt new practices, with some arguing that they had practised farming for many years and therefore had little to learn.
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Ms. Ngang’a added that the cost of agricultural products was another challenge raised by farmers, saying the company considered farmers’ concerns when reviewing its products and prices.
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She urged dairy farmers to give adequate attention to heifers and adopt improved management practices, to increase milk production and profitability.
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The Regional Manager encouraged farmers to change their mindset, improve the quality of their produce, and price their products appropriately to maximise returns.
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“Farmers need to be smart and do farming for money,” she said.

By Dickson Mwiti and Stella Mwebia‎