By Lamu Reporter
At least 5,000 farmers who partake in growing Sunflower, Simsim and nuts are set to benefit with the launch and commissioning of a maiden Edible Oil Processing Plant in Mpeketoni aimed at boosting the income of these farmers through value addition from their crop.
The plant was launched as a result of a collaboration between the Lamu County Government and the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) to install an Edible Oil Processing machine that will create agricultural value addition and open new opportunities for farmers by boosting local production.
Speaking during the launch of the Edible Oil Processing Machine at Mpeketoni’s Agricultural Technology Development Center, Lamu CEC for Agriculture James Gichu stated that the move to install the edible oil processing plant is a game changer that is likely to increase the capacity of farmers who partake in growing crops that produce edible oils.
The machine will process sunflower, simsim, and peanuts through pressing, purification, packaging, and branding thus enabling farmers to add value to their produce.
“With a capacity to process 5 tonnes per day, this innovation represents a huge leap forward from the previous 500kgs daily output, that the farmers used to be able to process manually before the coming of the machine,” Gichu stated.
“This machine is a game-changer for our farmers. With the capacity to process up to five tonnes daily, we now have the ability to add real value to sunflower, simsim, and peanuts grown here in Lamu, he further added urging farmers to take advantage of this opportunity by planting more oil crops, so that together we can maximize production and increase incomes.
He further reiterated that the production of affordable, locally made edible oil will also help reduce the cost of living for Lamu residents, who have been dependent on exported edible oils
Gichu further thanked the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) for their support and lauded the national government for its Bottom Up approach and pillar to empower farmers and transform agriculture in the country.
Sentiments echoed by Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) representative Ann Gikonyo, who stated that the national government is keen to support farmers, enhance agricultural value addition, reduce the cost of living, and drive the country’s food security forward through such initiatives.
