Farming needs consistent policy framework-expert

By BUSINESS REPORTER GOVERNMNET should be consistent in policies to support the growth of small scale and emergent farmers, says Farmers Expo chairman Ashok Oza.

Mr. Oza said putting in place policies that are consistent and respond to the needs of the agriculture sector will help startups in the agriculture sector increase productivity.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Oza said promotional incentives like mechanized equipment among the farmers will lead in increased productivity and growth to the agriculture sector.

“The only sure way that the government can help in the development of small scale and emergent farmers is through consistency framework.

“Farmers will then be helped through mechanization and the provision an accessible market hence the need for the government to formulate policies that have incentives for agriculture,” he said.

Mr. Oza cited access to finance as a major challenge for the development of small scale farmers, adding that commercial banks should formulate products that would meet the needs of most small-scale and emergent farmers.

There was need for all economic sectors to support the development of the agriculture sector noting that the farmers provided of over 90 percent on raw materials used in the food processing industry. in the policy