Migori Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries Development

15/06/2026

11/06/2026

Harvesting Opportunity: Oreje Farms Opens New Market for Sunflower Growers
Homa Bay County — Oreje Farms, located in Imbo near Rodi Kopany, has invested in a state-of-the-art oil pressing machine, further strengthening its role in agricultural value addition and agribusiness development in the region.
The modern processing facility is helping bridge the market gap for sunflower farmers by providing a reliable outlet for oilseed produce. The mill sources and off-takes sunflower harvests not only from Homa Bay and neighbouring counties but also from as far as Kitale and other far-flung parts of the country, demonstrating the growing demand for locally produced sunflower.
Through value addition, the facility is contributing to increased production of edible cooking oil while creating market opportunities for farmers, enhancing household incomes, and supporting Kenya’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported vegetable oils.
The investment complements Oreje Farms’ diverse agricultural services, including farm mechanization, land preparation, planting, crop protection, silage making, fodder conservation, and other machinery solutions that support modern farming.
According to Carolyne Odeny, Director of Oreje Farms, the company's vision goes beyond processing sunflower seeds to creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
“Our goal is to provide farmers with both production and market solutions. By creating a dependable market for sunflower growers and processing the crop locally, we are adding value, creating jobs, and contributing to food and nutrition security,” she said.
The journey into sunflower value addition was inspired by the opportunities presented during last year's World Food Day celebrations at Ranenville Integrated Farm in Awendo. During the event, farmers received sunflower seed packs from Migori County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Hon Lucas Mosenda as part of efforts to promote local edible oil production by AFA Kenya.
As one of the farmers who attended the event I recognized the immense potential of sunflower farming—not only as a source of cooking oil but also as a valuable source of seed cake for livestock feed. The experience highlighted sunflower's growing role in food and nutrition security, income generation, and the economic empowerment of women in rural communities.
Today, Oreje Farms is building on that vision by creating a dependable market for sunflower growers while supporting Kenya's broader agenda of strengthening agricultural value chains, promoting local manufacturing, creating employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods for farming families across the country.
The initiative demonstrates how strategic investments in value addition can transform agriculture from subsistence production into profitable agribusiness, benefiting farmers, processors, and consumers alike.

11/06/2026

CONTRACTUAL BEE VENOM FARMING

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
1. How safe are bees when harvesting bee venom?
Beekeepers should know how many times, at what time and weather, and what level of electricity to use while collecting bee venom. Big experience and special knowledge is necessary in order to collect bee venom and not causing harm to bees. Bees’ health is the most important for us, as only healthy bees can grant us strong, high activity of bee venom powder.
2. How much bee venom can be collected from one hive?
It depends on several circumstances: collectors, how strong and healthy bees are, how many bees are there in the hive and when one is harvesting bee venom. On average, beekeepers take 0.3-0.7 grams of bee venom powder from each hive.
3. Can anyone use bee venom powder for producing any cosmetic or apitherapy product?
No. It is highly advised that if a person is not a professional pharmacist, cosmetologist, apitherapy doctor or researcher, it is not recommended to use bee venom in any purpose. It is because, if somebody has allergy on bee venom, it may suffocate just in moment after opening up the roof of the bottle. One must be professional to use it.
4. Does the color of bee venom define the quality of bee venom?
Yes and no. Color is not a measure of quality. Color maybe pale gray, human skin color, light yellow and brownish. It depends on the technique of harvesting, time of harvesting and race of bees. However, if bee venom is 5 or more years old, it becomes dark brown, because of the damaged cells of proteins and enzymes.

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10/06/2026

10/06/2026

Farmers Rush for Sunflower Seeds as Distribution Exercise Gains Momentum in Migori

The distribution of certified sunflower seeds is ongoing across Migori County ahead of the anticipated short rains season, with farmers scrambling to benefit from the 7 tonnes of seed support provided through the Agriculture and Food Authority ( AFA Kenya ) under the Edible Oil Promotion Initiative.

The exercise has generated significant interest among farmers from different parts of the county, reflecting the growing popularity of sunflower as a profitable and climate-smart crop. Increased awareness of the crop's potential for edible oil production, livestock feed formulation, and value addition has contributed to the rising demand for seed.

The seed distribution forms part of a broader strategy to position Migori County as a leading sunflower production and processing hub while supporting national efforts to reduce reliance on imported edible oils.

County agricultural officers have been mobilizing farmers and coordinating seed allocation to ensure timely planting during the short rains season. Farmers have been encouraged to take advantage of the certified seed and adopt recommended agronomic practices to maximize productivity.

The enthusiasm surrounding the exercise underscores the confidence farmers have developed in sunflower farming, driven by growing market opportunities, value-addition prospects, and support from both the County Government of Migori and AFA.

With a Common User Processing Facility expected before the next harvest, farmers are optimistic that increased production, coupled with local processing, will translate into better incomes, job creation, and sustainable growth of the sunflower value chain in Migori County.

10/06/2026

Farmers Urged to Prepare for Fruit Tree Planting and Safe Post-Harvest Handling Ahead of Expected June–August Rains

Farmers across Migori County are being encouraged to take advantage of the anticipated June–August 2026 rains by preparing their land early for fruit tree establishment and other long-term agricultural investments.

According to recent weather forecasts, the region is expected to receive enhanced rainfall during the period, presenting a favorable opportunity for farmers to plant fruit trees and improve orchard establishment. Early land preparation will ensure that seedlings are planted at the onset of the rains, allowing them to benefit from adequate soil moisture for proper root development and growth.

The Department of Migori Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries Development is urging farmers to identify suitable planting sites, dig planting holes in advance, source quality fruit tree seedlings, and apply recommended soil and water conservation measures to improve survival rates.

The county government has already received and distributed substantial quantities of fruit tree seedlings, including avocado, macadamia, coffee, and palm oil seedlings, as part of ongoing efforts to promote crop diversification, increase household incomes, and build climate resilience among farming communities.

Fruit trees offer long-term benefits including improved household nutrition, income diversification, environmental conservation, and enhanced resilience to climate change. Establishing orchards during favorable weather conditions significantly increases the chances of successful establishment and future productivity.

At the same time, farmers are advised to plan for safe post-harvest handling of cereals, pulses, oil crops, and other produce in the event that the forecasted El Niño-enhanced rains materialize. Increased rainfall during harvesting and storage periods can expose produce to moisture damage, mould growth, aflatoxin contamination, and significant post-harvest losses.

Farmers are encouraged to harvest crops at the right maturity stage, ensure proper drying before storage, use clean and well-ventilated storage facilities, and protect produce from rain and excess moisture. Where possible, the use of tarpaulins, raised drying platforms, hermetic storage technologies, and certified warehouses is recommended to maintain grain quality and reduce losses.

By preparing both for crop establishment and post-harvest management, farmers can safeguard their investments, improve food security, and maximize returns from their agricultural enterprise.
"Prepare early, plant wisely, harvest safely, and build resilience for a productive season"ahead.

10/06/2026

From Novice to Sunflower Success: Mkulima George Omondi Andiri Eyes Value Addition in North Kamagambo

Meet Mkulima George Omondi Andiri from Kuna, North Kamagambo, a first-time sunflower farmer whose venture into oil crop production is already showing remarkable promise. While new to sunflower cultivation, George is no stranger to the value of the crop, having regularly used sunflower seed cake as a key ingredient in feed formulation for his dairy cattle.

When officers from the Agriculture and Food Authority ( AFA Kenya ) Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate visited his farm with Jared Odhiambo earlier in the season as the crop was being established, George openly admitted that he had limited knowledge of sunflower agronomy and field management practices. Through guidance, farmer support, and continuous learning, he successfully nurtured the crop, which is now nearing harvest.

Today, George can be seen enthusiastically scaring birds away from his 2.5-acre sunflower field, characterized by large, healthy heads and an excellent crop stand. He projects to harvest more than four tonnes of sunflower seed, a yield that could significantly boost his household income while contributing to the county's growing edible oil value chain.

Unlike many farmers who sell their produce immediately after harvest, George plans to cold-press the sunflower seeds into cooking oil through the planned AFA-supported Common User Facility. This value-addition strategy will enable him to earn higher returns from the crop while retaining the sunflower seed cake, a valuable high-protein by-product that he can continue using in feed formulation for his dairy cattle, reducing production costs and improving farm profitability.

Beyond the seed harvest, George intends to make productive use of other parts of the sunflower plant. The seed cake will be incorporated into livestock feed, while stalks and crop residues will be used for composting, organic manure production, mulching, and soil improvement. The flowering crop also supports pollinators such as bees, creating opportunities for honey production and enhancing biodiversity on the farm.

His journey from a farmer with little knowledge of sunflower production to one anticipating a bumper harvest and investing in value addition demonstrates the immense potential of sunflower farming. It also highlights the impact of extension services, farmer training, and market-oriented agriculture in transforming livelihoods.

As Migori County continues to promote sunflower production in collaboration with AFA under the Edible Oil Promotion Initiative, farmers like George are proving that sunflower is more than just a crop—it is a pathway to value addition, lower feed costs, improved household incomes, and a stronger local edible oil industry.

For George, sunflower is not just a harvest; it is an investment in a more profitable, resilient, and sustainable farming future.
Hon Lucas Mosenda
Madafu Isaac
Ogutu Peter

10/06/2026

NOTICE FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON AGROECOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Migori County invites the general public to review the Draft Migori County Agroecology Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and submit comments or memoranda.

Access the document: https://migori.veritech.co.ke/downloads category=Plans

Submit feedback via: [email protected] or hand-deliver to the County Director of Agriculture by 18 June 2026.
Ogutu Peter
Madafu Isaac
Hon Lucas Mosenda
Cavin Omondi