Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1257729,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1257729/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 180,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13217,
        "legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
        "slug": "cherarkey-k-samson"
    },
    "content": "so that they are in tandem with what we are discussing. A few issues on the aspect of food security. On the Kshs5 billion subsidy program of fertilizer, I have suggested that we should not only give subsidy fertilizer to maize farmers but also to coffee, tea, mung beans and sugar cane farmers. I remember I saw our Government Chief Whip when he was with the President over the weekend complaining about Mumias Sugar Company and ensuring that they get subsidized fertilizer. This Kshs5 billion that has been allocated in the financial year 2023/ 2024, should be diversified. We should Include even coconut from where you come from Mr. Speaker, Sir., macadamia among other crops so that we do not appear selfish that we only give the maize farmers subsidized fertilizer. If we do not give power to the farmer, we will keep importing food, like is the case in Dubai and other countries where they eat everything that is imported. This is a wonderful country where we can plant all these things. Mr. Speaker, Sir, to improve on the food security, let us also ensure subsidy on the inputs and quality of seeds. We have been having a problem with Kenya Seed Company in Kitale because of being underfunded. They are not able to do proper research in Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) among other research institutions of Government, so that we get the best variety. The best country in production mung beans is India, among other countries. They are now moving to the best variety of mung beans. We need to resource the Kenya Seed Company in Kitale, KEPHIS and other institutions to do research. We, maize farmers are being forced to use what we call ‘ 6-choge’ . ‘6-choge’ means you pick the best maize, take to a granary, it is heated through the smoke, then you use that one to plant in the season. I know Sen. (Prof.) Kamar understands because she is the big maize farmer. The quality of maize seeds that come from Kenya Seeds Company Limited affects the growth of the plants. After some time, maize starts to possess some funny colour. They become whitish and cannot withstand aphid attacks. We need to source for seeds from other organizations."
}