Turkana: Farmers take up new groundnut variety to tackle drought

Farmers in Katilu and Loima areas of Turkana county are taking part in a project to grow a new variety of groundnuts that is drought resistant and does not use a lot of fertiliser.

The project being undertaken on 1,000 acres, follows research done by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Egerton University.

John Etiir, a farmer said, "So far, these seeds appear to be drought resistant and do not need much fertiliser."

Joseph Okumu, an officer from FAO, said, "We chose four irrigation schemes for commercial production."

Once harvested, the groundnuts are laid out in the sun to remove traces of aflatoxin.

Okumu said buyers have been identified to ensure farmers' produce is taken up.

The farmers said they are hoping the farming will help alleviate hunger in the area.