The Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology has partnered with Nakuru County government to host their annual agribusiness expo targeting 7,000 farmers and 50 exhibitors under the theme ‘Promoting Innovation and Technology In Agribusiness For Sustainable Development’.
The event which will be held at the Institute grounds in Nakuru on 3rd to 4th next month was last year sponsored by Africa Merchant Assurance Company Ltd (AMACO), Cooper K-Brands Ltd, New KCC and Coca Cola Nairobi Bottlers among other partners.
“This year we have decided to partner with the county government which has promised a huge support and we are expecting many farmers especially from among other areas Laikipia, Nyandarua, Eldoret, Kericho, Bomet and Narok,” said Mary Rose, the institute’s Communication Officer.
In last year’s Expo, 18 exhibitors participated with over 3,000 farmers attending. The experience has indicated that the Agribusiness sector in the region has a potential and interest for investment growth.
The institute’s ninth expo is free for the general public while exhibition fee is Sh25,000.
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She said this year’s expo will explore ways of enhancing agribusiness through technology and innovation to attain sustainable agriculture and boost food security.
“Our theme this year is set to cover market information access, value chain addition and armyworm prevention and eradication,” she said.
The farmers will also benefit from Kilimo Biashara, ICT in agribusiness and auction of dairy cows.
“We ask farmers to come and experience a wide range of innovative products and services in agribusiness while they exchange views on risk mitigation,” said Maryrose.
The officer said the farmers will also learn about harvest technologies and market linkages. The exhibitors will pay Sh2,500 per stand.
The Expo is organized by mobilizing livestock farmers, cereal/crop farmers and farm machinery/Implements dealers, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Agro-Chemical companies, Universities and line Government Ministries among others to participate in exhibiting their latest innovations and technology of products and services at the Expo.