Busia County Pushes for Faster Release of Elite Cassava Seeds to Boost Farming
Busia County Government has urged the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to accelerate the release of elite cassava seeds from ongoing research, aiming to strengthen the county’s cassava farming sector. The appeal was made when the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Agribusiness, Dr. Moses Osia, hosted a KALRO delegation from the Secretariat Directorate of Crops at his office on Tuesday. Dr. Osia emphasized that access to clean, disease-resistant cassava seed, particularly varieties resilient to Mosaic disease, remains a major challenge for local farmers.
Dr. Osia noted that Busia is a key player in the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), implemented across Busia, Kisumu, and Lamu counties, with Busia and Kisumu taking lead roles in promoting food and nutrition security. He pledged close collaboration with KALRO to ensure farmers have access to improved seed systems in time for the next planting season. Dr. Simon Omondi, in charge of applied research at KALRO, highlighted cassava’s resilience, particularly during dry seasons, making it a critical crop for families to rely on for sustenance. The KALRO team, led by Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, assured that efforts to release the seeds are progressing steadily despite previous delays.
The delegation also visited Tangakona Commercial Village Farmers, who are already cultivating improved cassava varieties and producing value-added products. Current yields in Busia stand at eight tonnes per acre, and stakeholders are strategizing on methods to increase productivity. The county’s push for faster release of elite seeds aims to enhance crop resilience, improve farmer incomes, and ensure sustainable food security for the region.