Farmers in Nakuru county have been urged to practice green leafy vegetable farming since it plays a significant role in improving the nutrition and healthy well being of the population.
Inadequate consumption of vegetables and fruits has been reported to be a key risk in the increase of non-communicable diseases in the country. This was highlighted during the stakeholders’ inception meeting for the Vegetables For All Project by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
The Five years project is aimed at improving the production and consumption of safe vegetables online with the government effort to address malnutrition by promotion of diversified diets. Agriculture Chief Officer Mr. Kibet Maina said the project will not only address issues on food security but also help in addressing malnutrition through nutrition-sensitive interventions. He added that the project aimed at empowering the farmers economically to have non-conventional and various income generating channels.
GAIN Advocacy and Policy Manager Mr. Charles Opiyo, said that the project will also help capacity build and support the implementation of related vegetable production and consumption policies. The meeting brought together county technical officers from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and fisheries, Department of Health, and other stakeholders including farmers.
