"I urge farmers to fully embrace modern farming technologies and to strive to add value to agricultural products. It is only in this way that we shall be able to increase returns from agriculture and remain competitive in regional and international markets," he said.
He said that tedious field work, low returns and high costs of production associated with the widespread use of hand tools in farming were hindering the sector from playing its role as the economic growth pacesetter.
The tractors were bought through a Sh91 million grant by the government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Italy's envoy Enrico Maio and UNDP's resident representative Elizabeth Luanga witnessed the occasion.
Present were ministers Kipruto arap Kirwa (Agriculture) and John Michuki (Internal Security), assistant ministers Kyalo Kaindi and Patrick Muiruri and head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.
The President asked the ADC to ensure that the tractors benefited small-scale farmers and not big commercial ones.
"Please, when you take these machines, don't be tempted to run to commercial farmers who can afford more money or even offer a bribe - they are fond of this. The person who requires these machines is the ordinary farmer in the rural areas," he said.
The arrival of the tractors marked the beginning of the second phase of the Agribusiness project, started in November 2005, to overcome constraints to agricultural productivity by providing machines and latest farming techniques.
Source: The Nation
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