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Agricultural experts are vouching for organic urban farming to increase nutritional intake and reduce health risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides.
In an effort to realize this goal, the Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) is promoting chemical-free kitchen farming for urban dwellers through the improvisation of easily available local materials to grow various vegetables.
‘’We are focusing on new technologies that could be helpful especially for urban dwellers. This technology of kitchen and vertical garden anyone can do farming in a very small space,” said Mt Kenya ASK Nanyuki branch chairman, Newtown Kabuthia.
He added that organic farming will be on display during this year’s three-day show, which kicks off on May 22.
Kabuthia says urban show goers will have a lot to learn on innovative farming tips, including how to establish vegetable gardens on balconies and verandas of rental houses and save on grocery costs.
Some forms of cancer have been attributed to the use of farm pesticides and herbicides, with health-conscious consumers now preferring their own grown vegetables, but land availability remains a big challenge to urban residents.
‘’Issue of using pesticides is on the increase and they are harmful to our bodies. If people can embrace these farming techniques it will be a boost to their health related complications associated with pesticides,” noted Kabuthia.
This year’s ASK theme is Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative for Sustainable Economic Growth, with nearly 100 exhibitors expected to attend the Nanyuki Show, up from 70 who participated in last year’s event.
