LAMU, Kenya – The arrival of the first-ever Edible Oil Processing Machine at Mpeketoni Agricultural Technology Development Center (ATC) marks a historic milestone for Lamu.
The machine, which is set to benefit over 5,000 farmers, was developed in collaboration with the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) and the County Government of Lamu.
The innovation puts Lamu at the forefront of agricultural value addition, expands local production, gives farmers new opportunities, and represents a significant step towards both economic growth and food security.
Farmers will be able to add value to their produce by using the machine to press, purify, package, and brand peanuts, sunflowers, and simsim.
This invention, which can produce 5 tonnes every day, is a significant improvement over the previous output of 500 kg per day. Crucially, the creation of reasonably priced, locally produced edible oil will also contribute to lowering living expenses for Lamu inhabitants.
Why Lamu farmers should seize the opportunity
James Gichu, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Food Security, urged farmers to seize this opportunity, saying the machine is a game-changer for the local agricultural sector.
“With the capacity to process up to five tonnes daily, we can now add real value to sunflower, simsim, and peanuts grown here in Lamu. I urge our farmers to take advantage of this opportunity by planting more oil crops, so that together we can maximise production and increase incomes,” said Gichu.
The CECM also praised area Governor Issa Timamy for his unwavering efforts to empower farmers and transform agriculture in the county, and commended the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate (AFA) for their assistance.
Gichu added that people of Lamu, who have been reliant on imported edible oils, will see a decrease in living expenses as a result of the development of reasonably priced, locally produced edible oil.
He also praised the national government for its Bottom-Up strategy and pillar to empower farmers and revolutionise agriculture in the nation, and thanked the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate for their assistance.
Why does the national government support farmers
The national government is eager to assist farmers, improve agricultural value addition, lower living expenses, and advance the nation’s food security through such programs, according to Ann Gikonyo, a representative of the AFA.
The Bahari and Hongwe Ward Administrator, and members from AFA were all in attendance.
Gichu further observed that Governor Timamy’s steadfast dedication to helping farmers, improving agricultural value addition, lowering living expenses, and advancing Lamu’s economic empowerment and food security is demonstrated by the installation of this machine.
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