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{
    "id": 334076,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/334076/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 230,
    "type": "other",
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    "content": "farmers in this country. That is why every year we have to go looking for food. That is why the World Food Programme (WFP) is resident in Kenya because they know there is food shortage every year. They go begging food for us. So, we need to give incentives to our farmers to grow food. We must borrow a leaf from small countries like Malawi which have been able to give their farmers incentives through agricultural inputs, seeds and fertilizers. They have been able to grow enough food for the country. It is a shame we still have to import food and have donor agencies to give us food in this country. So, I believe those incentives will be very crucial for production of food in this country. With regard to the licensing and taxation provision, the Minister needs to look at what crops should be levied taxation on. As I said, here are certain basic crops that will not need to be levied taxation. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, another aspect that this Bill brings on board is the appointment of county officers to co-ordinate the production of various crops at the county level. This is very important because the extension service in this country on crop production collapsed many years ago. As my colleague from Vihiga said, that is why many farmers do not know how to use modern technology in growing and improving food production. So, with those officers on the ground, I believe we will increase our food production. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in ending my presentation, I want to laud one aspect which this Bill is also bringing on board. It is bringing on board the issue of research and bio-technology. This country cannot produce sufficient food without bio- technology. No country has produced sufficient food without bio-technology. Therefore, this Bill is proposing the introduction of research which will promote the use of bio- technology in food production. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, many Kenyans have talked a lot about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). That is one of the techniques of bio-technology to produce food. These are grown elsewhere in the world under very strict conditions. This Parliament has passed the National Biosafety Act to co-ordinate the introduction of GMOs, their vetting and how they should be used in this country. It is, therefore, very sad when we hear the same Government is banning the use of GMOs when we have already put a fully fledged institution to look into that matter. We also have international regulations, for example, the Cartagena Protocols that govern GMOs. So, I think this Government must come out of its slumber and realize that without bio-technology, we will import food forever. We will not be food sufficient. With those many comments, I want to support this Bill without mincing my words. Thank you."
}