Farmers across Uasin Gishu County are set to reap higher maize yields and stronger incomes after the County Government sealed a new partnership with the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) and Bayer under the Smallholder Productivity Improvement Project (SMAPIP 5).

The collaboration, announced Thursday in Eldoret City, will introduce improved seed varieties, hands-on training and better crop management practices to thousands of smallholder farmers in the county.

SMAPIP 5, already runs in 16 counties and focuses on lifting productivity through modern farming techniques.

Speaking on behalf of Agriculture CECM, Dr Sam Kotut, County Director of Agriculture Reuben Seroney, said the county is fully behind the initiative.

“Through extension services, capacity building and strategic partnerships like this one, we will raise productivity and strengthen the entire agricultural sector in Uasin Gishu,” Seroney assured.

CGA representative Mr Sammy Osebe highlighted the practical support farmers will receive. “We are promoting improved DK maize varieties such as DK 777, DK 9709 and DK 7500,” Osebe said.

“Farmers will also benefit from agronomic training, demonstration plots hosted by fellow farmers, and regular field days, so they can see the results for themselves and adopt better practices,” added Osebe.

The project will further help dairy farmers by promoting access to yellow maize silage through cooperatives, improving livestock feed and boosting milk production.

Bayer representative Mr Gideon Lang’at stressed the need to protect crops from pests and diseases.

“Appropriate crop protection solutions are critical, because they safeguard harvests, minimise losses and give farmers the confidence to invest in better seed and management practices,” explained Lang’at.

The Bayer officials noted the partnership will equip farmers with practical knowledge, accelerate the uptake of improved technologies and raise maize yields.

The expected result is stronger food security and better livelihoods for farming households across Uasin Gishu.

By Maurice Aluda