CS Agriculture Mithika Linturi.
By: Eric Wanjala
Cane farmers are expected to benefit from the 2023/2024 Supplementary Budget through an allocation of 1.7B to compensate farmers in Nzoia, Muhoroni, Chemelili, SONY and Miwani state owned mills. This allocation follows recommendations made by the Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on a Report regarding the Action Plan to Revitalisae the Sugar Sector.
In a meeting chaired by Dr. John Mutunga (Tigania West) Members of the Committee met with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock CS, Mithika Linturi, PS State Deperent on Crops, Dr. Rono and PS State Department on Livestock, Mr. John Mueke to review the Supplementary Budget for FY 23/24.
Members lauded the move emphasizing that cane farmers remain a key stakeholder in the revival of the sugar Sector.
“We have introduced the National Food Reserve, with an allocation of Kshs. 2.0 Billion designated for the purchase of white maize to boost food security measures.” said CS Linturi while making his submissions during the meeting.
Lawmakers’ raised pertinent questions regarding, duplication of functions within agencies which have undertaken overlapping farmer and livestock registration initiatives in the past.
“Farmer and Livestock registration should be harmonized across all 47 counties. The Ministry needs to have streamlined approach to data management and dissemination to avoid duplication,” Hon. Dr. John Mutunga (Tigania West)
MPs also sought updates on the status of payment to Small Scale Grain Millers who supplied maize during the 2022 maize subsidy programme.
Committee Members further queried the fate of critical agricultural institutions such as the Agricultural Finance Corporation and the viability of donor funded projects such as the Enable Youth Programme.
“We are seeing quite a number of donor funded programmes whose viability is not clear. The Ministry may need to rethink on how to engage stakeholders. We have not seen these projects in our constituencies. The Ministry need to prioritize civic education on programmes meant to benefit our youth.” Hon. Sabina Chege (Nominated)
The Committee is expected to prepare a report to be presented before the National Assembly in the coming days.
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