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{
    "id": 102919,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/102919/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 62,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "improve post-harvest management. I expect the Ministry of Agriculture, working with the National Irrigation Board (NIB), National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and farmers’ co-operative organizations, to develop appropriate governance framework for the management of these driers and rice mills in order to maximize their benefits to our farmers. Fourth, as a Government that is committed to assuring food security, we will do what it takes to not only expand investment in crop production, but also post- harvest crop management. In addition to measures I have already outlined targeted at reducing post-harvest losses, we are also developing a framework to introduce warehouse receipting in various NCPB’s stores. When this programme is fully operational, the depositor will have the convenience of using the warehouse receipt as collateral, selling their grain whenever they wish without necessarily moving around with it, having certified and known quality and quantity of grain that does not have to be physically seen by buyers before buying. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are also aware that such warehouse receipting works hand in hand with a Commodity Exchange where such receipts can be traded. The buyers of the receipts can then collect the grain from the warehouse or resell the receipts. We shall, in the course of the year, develop institutional and legal framework to introduce Commodities Future Exchange, which will allow our farmers to trade their produce freely and at a time of their choice through warehouse receipts and future contracts. Expanding Fish Farming as a Source of Food Security and Employment: Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Government has recognized that the fisheries sub-sector has considerable untapped potential for food security and enhancing the livelihoods of Kenyans. In this regard, the development of aquaculture is one of the core interventions we are implementing to enhance food security and provide employment for our youth. Last year, the Government initiated a Kshs1.12 billion Fish Farming Enterprise Productivity Programme to construct 28,000 fish ponds in 140 constituencies countrywide. This initiative is expected to stimulate increased aquaculture production, promote rural enterprise development and strengthen food security. Mr. Speaker, Sir, with the momentum for fish farming now building up, we recognize that Government’s role in the medium-term will be largely facilitative, with the private sector expected to be the prime mover of fish farming, seed and feed production and marketing of produce. In this regard, as part of phase II of Fish Farming Enterprise Productivity Programme, the Government will: First ensure all the 28,000 fish ponds are constructed and fully stocked with fingerlings; secondly invest in feed and seed production, while also encouraging private sector participation; and thirdly, build adequate capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries Development to deliver first class extension services and support our farmers as they expand their fish farming. To achieve these objectives, I have proposed among other interventions, the following: First, I have allocated Kshs120 million to construct another 200 fish ponds in 20 additional constituencies that were not covered under phase one. And in order to encourage further fish farming and agro-forestry in the 160 mapped constituencies, I have allocated Kshs360 million to construct three shallow wells in each constituency. To further avoid water slippage and ensure adequate water for fish, I have allocated Kshs300 million to purchase sheet lining for use by farmers in ponds."
}