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{
    "id": 102917,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/102917/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 60,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "households in the country. Given our limited potential for rain-fed agriculture, we must increasingly focus on expanding irrigated agricultural production for domestic use as well as for exports. At the same time, we should also encourage agro- processing and value addition in order to maximize the sector’s contribution to growth. It is only by doing this that we shall be able to reduce poverty, create sufficient productive jobs and decent work for our rapidly growing population. In the fiscal year ending June, 2010, we expanded irrigated agriculture for maize and rice production by about 27,00 acres with an estimated two harvests totaling 1.6 million bags of rice and 500,00 bags of maize. While we have made tremendous progress in this year to increase agricultural output, it is indeed saddening to note that our farmers have suffered post-harvest losses due to dampness and poor storage. I want to take this opportunity to assure the nation at large that the Government will, indeed, empower our farmers to ensure that their hard work will not go to waste due to lack of appropriate storage facilities. To further reduce our reliance on rain-fed agriculture and to ensure sustainable food security, I propose the following measures: First, in 2010/2011 we shall not only expand the irrigation works in the areas we planted under Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) but we shall diversify into new potential areas to provide many Kenyans the opportunity to grow crops throughout the year thus reducing their vulnerability to vagaries of weather, assuring food security and reducing poverty. As part of our deliberate effort to address regional inequality and reduce poverty, we plan to expand irrigation agriculture in new areas such as: (i) Around Lake Challa in Taveta, (ii) Yatta and Makueni, (iii)Lower Tana, (iv) Turkana, (v) Marsabit, and (vi) Upper Tana and North Eastern covering Garissa to Mandera. To ensure effective delivery of this programme, my Ministry working with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Ministry of Regional Development Authorities will develop a framework, which will be ready for execution by mid July 2010. Mr. Speaker, Sir, these interventions will not be realized without putting in place an effective capacity. To build the capacity of the Ministries of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water and Regional Development Authorities to effectively execute these projects, I have allocated funds for the recruitment of six extension officers on contract terms for every constituency countrywide. The Government will also avail 300 vehicles to enable these officers discharge and accomplish this important task of securing development. Second, our commitment is not only to expand irrigation programmes but to address the agriculture supply chain. To deal with post-harvest management and reduce losses to our hard working farmers, I have allocated Kshs400 million towards purchase of fixed maize driers to be installed in maize growing areas not currently served. I am allocating another Kshs360 million to purchase 30 mobile maize driers to ensure as many farmers are facilitated accordingly to dry their maize in order to reduce post harvest losses. Third, similarly, for our rice farmers, I have allocated Kshs525 million to purchase and install 15 rice milling plants in rice-growing areas. These interventions will be complemented by regular testing and awareness to empower farmers and"
}