The government will distribute five million avocado seedlings and introduce one million cocoa seedlings in Meru County as part of a major agricultural expansion programme aimed at boosting production and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said the initiative will promote the cultivation of high-value crops with strong local and international market potential while diversifying agriculture in the county.
Mugambi said the distribution of five million avocado seedlings will strengthen Meru’s position as one of Kenya’s leading avocado-producing regions and expand opportunities for farmers to benefit from the growing demand for the crop.
The government will also introduce one million cocoa seedlings as it seeks to establish cocoa farming as a new income-generating activity in the county.
The initiative is expected to reduce farmers’ reliance on traditional crops while creating additional opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
According to the government, increased production of avocado and cocoa will also support value addition, create employment and contribute to higher export earnings from horticultural and cash crops.
Farmers will receive support through agricultural extension services and training, alongside access to quality planting materials, to improve the success and sustainability of the programme.
The government expects the diversification programme to enhance agricultural productivity while positioning Meru farmers to take advantage of both domestic and international markets for high-value crops.
The move comes as the government continues to promote agricultural diversification and value addition as key strategies for improving household incomes and expanding Kenya’s agricultural export base.
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