Kalro launches digitised soil testing programme to boost agricultural productivity
Trained agri-preneurs will visit farms, collect soil data using mobile devices, and transmit it to Kalro laboratories for comprehensive analysis.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) has launched a digitised soil testing and sampling programme across 45 counties.
In collaboration with county governments and the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative aims to collect and analyse over 77,000 soil samples from farms nationwide.
More To Read
According to Kalro researcher Peterson Njeru, the programme represents a significant shift from traditional manual soil sampling methods.
"The digital sampling will allow us to provide farmers with tailored recommendations on the right fertilisers for their farms," Njeru said during a training session at the Mwea Irrigation Agricultural Development Project.
The exercise is expected to address critical issues in soil health, such as acidity caused by the prolonged use of fertilisers without technical guidance.
“This has been a major contributor to declining food production in the country,” Njeru said.
In addition to aiding farmers, the programme will inform the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, ensuring that purchased fertilisers align with the specific ecological needs of different regions.
Trained agri-preneurs will visit farms, collect soil data using mobile devices, and transmit it to Kalro laboratories for comprehensive analysis.
John Maina from the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the urgency of the initiative.
“Soil degradation has severely impacted food production. With these insights, we can recommend the nutrients needed to rejuvenate our soils,” he said.
The government is calling on farmers to participate fully in the programme.
County officials, chiefs, and assistant chiefs will collaborate with trainees to ensure the programme’s success, marking a pivotal step in transforming Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
Top Stories Today
