An aspirant for the Suba South parliamentary seat, Bernard Odhuno, has urged youths in Homa Bay to embrace farming to uplift themselves economically.

Odhuno said that youths have the energy to revolutionize farming and transform the local economy.

He noted that infrastructural developments initiated by the government in the county will facilitate agriculture in Suba South.

Some of the notable national government projects in the Suba South constituency include Kijebi and Sindo markets. Other ongoing road projects are the Koguta-Nyabera and Lwanda-Nyakiamo roads. The 54 km Mbita-Sindo – Magunga – Sori road is also ongoing. Construction of the Lake Victoria ring road is expected to begin soon.

Odhuno said the projects will transform the lives of many youths, especially those who are in agricultural and transport sectors.

He urged youths to take advantage of the projects to transform their living standards.

Suba South is known as the grain basket of Homa Bay County and is also a major source of fish since it has the longest shoreline in the county.

“Farming remains the sector with a lot of opportunities for the youths to earn a living. Let youths in the Suba region take advantage of infrastructure projects to improve their living standards,” Odhuno said.

Speaking when he toured Sindo town in the constituency, Odhuno said the infrastructure projects will attract investors in the Suba region once complete.

The government has also built the Homa Bay pier and has earmarked the Kendu Bay pier and other fish landing sites in the county for construction.

Odhuno noted that beaches in the Suba South constituency will now have access roads that will facilitate transportation of fish and other agricultural produce to markets.

Cage fish farming is already taking place in the lake water in both Suba South and Suba North constituencies.

Victory Farms has established cages for fish farming at Roo Beach in the Suba South constituency and has employed hundreds of locals. Odhuno said such a method of fish farming has advantages compared to traditional fishing.

“The aquaculture business which is taking shape in  beaches will greatly be boosted with the improvement of roads. We encourage our people to engage in product diversification to enhance their economic power.” He said.

Odhuno said they are supporting farmers in their cooperatives so that they do not sell their produce at throw away prices which leads to losses.

He urged politicians to engage in peaceful campaigns.

He argued that excessive politicking interferes with development.

“We should focus on increasing value for goods produced locally. It is upon us to utilize resources we have prudently for the benefit of our people,” Odhuno added.

By Davis Langat