Israeli tech hub set to help Embu farmers boost yields

Embu farmers are set to reap major benefits in a planned partnership between Israel and the county government.

Israeli plans to help local farmers tap technology so as to increase production and enhance food security.

Israel, a world leader in agriculture, will set up an agro tech incubation hub in Embu aimed at skill transfer and research on the most efficient agricultural practices.

Embu County has seen a rapid increase in agricultural growth, particularly in dairy and macadamia farming.

“New age agriculture production requires a technological solution,” said Embu Governor Martin Wambora during an agricultural fair at University of Embu.

The planned agri-tech hub is expected to carry out research which includes conducting analysis on soil, weather patterns and crops that are suitable across the county.

“A big percentage of Israel’s agricultural exports, which include tomatoes and watermelon, come from areas that are very similar to Embu, this means our partnership will result to better yields and improved productivity” said Mr Wambora.

The Israeli ambassador Oded Joseph noted that over the years, Israeli farmers have built a reputation as the most efficient in food production worldwide.

“It’s quite interesting what you might be able to do with that mix of location, technology and capital for certain crops,” he noted.

Mr Joseph said that Israeli agricultural entrepreneurs “are excited” about the potential for the new alliance with Embu County.

“Israel has a history of looking at where it can forge partnerships, where it can make investments where there’s a mutual benefit,” he added.

Embu County deputy governor David Kariuki said local tech companies are globally acknowledged in arid farming and the application of technology to make farming profitable.

Sector players

“If we bring the practical and academic knowledge and all the technology from Israel to Embu, we can all benefit from it,” he said.

Scores of farmers and agricultural sector players streamed into the university grounds eager to learn from Israeli agritech companies that were exhibiting some of the latest technologies.