County Government of Laikipia

Land preparations are a vital part of ensuring a good yield in agriculture and agribusiness. Most farmers' challenges come as a result of a lack of resources to warrant an excellent land preparation practice.

The County Revolving Fund has come to the aid of such farmers through timely providing loans at the beginning of planting seasons.

Timely land preparation helps provide the necessary soil conditions which will enhance the successful establishment of the young offshoots or the tissue culture plants. The revolving fund, therefore, provides the necessary resources for farmers to prepare their lands for planting.Richard Murigu, the Fund manager said.

A living testimony is from the Ng'arua Cereals and Produce Cooperative Limited in Kinamba that deals in grains-mainly maize, but also millet, beans, and wheat.

The cooperative received their fourth loan from the Revolving fund in December last year and part of January this year of Ksh. 7.5 million to help the farmers buy farm inputs in preparation to plant in February and March. These farm inputs include maize seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals, and other farm equipment.

Lack of such farm inputs results to delay in planting which ultimately is low yields. Also, with the availability of funds, farmers procure quality seeds from credible organizations for high-quality crops.

The organization with 130 members buys in bulks and sells to farmers in and out of their membership at affordable prices, and later purchases the product from the same farmers every year. For example, last year they supplied farm inputs to 3,750 farmers, and now targets to reach 4,500 farmers this year with the help of the funds from the Revolving fund.

Farmers have an assurance of reliable seeds and other farm inputs from this society as it buys in bulks awaiting farmers' collection. The revolving fund also aids in adding confidence to the farmers that whatever they need will be availed.

The grain stores help this cooperative to buy from farmers in bulks and sell for them when the prices are favorable, especially when there is a maize shortage.

Last year, the society managed to aggregate 2,290 bags of 90kgs maize from 500 farmers during harvest season where the market price that time was Ksh 2,300 per bag. Later it sold the same product in November at Ksh 3,000 per bag. Their target this year is to produce 2,500 bags.

The County Government of Laikipia avails the extension services officers and other professionals to train farmers on the need to make proper land preparations to plant on time while taking advantage of the rainy seasons.