adminAshley Mujoma
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged farmers to cooperate with the department when it conducts a crop, livestock and fisheries assessment from next week.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr John Basera, said the exercise is expected to run from January 20-30.
“We are urging our farmers, stakeholders, partners, and all local traditional leaders to cooperate as we embark on this important work.
“We expect to complete this task within 10 days and thereafter the report will be compiled for Cabinet approval before it is shared widely and publicly,” he said.
He said the main aim of the assessment is to verify areas planted with different crops, crop growth stages and conditions during the season.
“We will assess and verify the availability, accessibility, and utilisation of major crop and livestock inputs by farmers, assess and verify the effects of adverse weather conditions on crop and livestock production – in season and lastly assess and verify grazing land availability across the country.
“This year, the Ministry will also collaborate with different stakeholders such as farmers’ unions, commodity associations, State Owned Enterprises and other ministries, departments and agencies pursuant with the whole of Government approach.
“Data from the several stakeholders regarding their programme beneficiaries is critical in informing our agricultural progress to gauge private sector participation,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter