The New Seed Varieties Farmers Day Show

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) in partnership with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and The County Government of Meru held an event dubbed “The New Seed Varieties Farmers Day” on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the MUST Main Campus.

Guided by its theme “Equipping farmers with new technologies for food security and economic empowerment” the event aimed at educating farmers on new seed varieties suitable for their agro-ecological zones and emerging technologies in farming.

Over 400 farmers had a chance to interact with various seed companies, agrochemical companies, societies, farmer groups and other stakeholders on challenges faced while farming and the emerging technologies used in farming.

A guided tour through an elaborate demonstration farm, was one of the key learning methods used in this auspicious farmer’s day show. Some of the products showcased were diverse varieties of maize, tomatoes, sunflower, capsicum, onions, kale, cabbages and plenty of grains.

MUST Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A, F&P) Prof. Charity Gichuki (left) and KEPHIS Chief Liaison Officer Mr. Joshua Wahome (centre) are guided on a variety of maize seeds.

“The University is committed to training a high caliber workforce for, as well as to innovate and generate technologies applicable to the specific needs of the Kenyan, as well as the global agricultural sector.  Our graduates are equipped with knowledge, skills, attitudes and flexibility to identify sector specific constraints and to develop and apply constraint-specific solutions to Kenya and globally.” MUST Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charity Gichuki stated while addressing the farmers and other stakeholders.

The farmers from communities in the immediate vicinity of MUST including; Tigania west, Nchiru, Ruiri, Muriri/Ngundune, Kagaene/Kimaachia and Mbeu were advised on the most effective techniques used in planting various crops.

Mr. Gioche Mwangi representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agricultural Research, applauded the farmers for turning up to gain knowledge and urged them to invest in drip irrigation methods due to unexpected climatic changes. Mr. Mwangi stated the State Department for Agricultural Research is committed to ensuring no Kenyan goes to bed hungry due to lack of food.

Mr. Gioche Mwangi representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agricultural Research

Tigania west Member of Parliament was represented by Mr. Hezron Mageria who applauded the stakeholders for planning the event and urged the constituents to make the most out of this grand opportunity, in learning more on how best to be a productive farmer.

Mr. Hezron Mageria representing the Member of Parliament for Tigania West

MUST Dean, School of Agriculture and Food Science (SAFS) Dr. Joshua Arimi emphasized on the importance of learning new technologies in farming in a bid to achieve food security nationally and globally.

Dean, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Dr. Joshua Arimi speaks at the event.

Below are moments captured from the auspicious event: