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{
    "id": 403704,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/403704/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 115,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "That is the penalty the farmers have to deal with. It is 20 per cent. I think the role of AFC will have failed because then, how do you explain whether that is support or killing the farmer? Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I know we are very fond of talking about agriculture as being the backbone of our country and having the best tea and coffee. Until this success story is shared with wananchi, I think this is just an exercise in futility. I think we need to look at the issue of amalgamating these parastatals wholesomely. We should not just think about AFC, but see what role it plays alongside the NCPB so that the coordination that has lacked in the Ministry can be put in place even as we restructure these institutions so that if it is in terms of policies, we are developing them in the right way. Under the Constitution, Schedule 4, agriculture is supposed to be a fully devolved function. It, therefore, means that we do not just leave policy making at the national level because the people who will feel the effects are at the counties. Even as we suggest to the Mover that this be expanded in terms of coming up with legislation to this House, we should also look at ways of enjoining the county governments so that they can have their input. Last week we were in the field in the counties and one of the most contentious issues was the mechanization of agriculture. They feel that they are ready to do it, but the national Government has not released it through the Transition Authority (TA). The other issue is to do with training. I think the county Governments need to take this issue seriously. They should provide information to the farmers because they are the ones on the ground. That way, we will have synchronized our efforts in trying to curb this problem. I beg to support."
}