Rongo University Launches Sh23 million Soil Analysis Laboratory.
Rongo University in Migori County is the first in Nyanza and the Western regions to have a soil analysis laboratory.
The facility, the first of its kind, was built with government funding from the National Research Fund (NRF) at a cost of Sh23 million. This included the purchase of facility-specific equipment.
The project’s goal is to assist farmers in the region in conducting proper soil research analysis in order to make the best decisions when planting and selecting the best type of seeds.
During the launch, Amb Simon Nabukwesi, Principal Secretary of the State Department of University Education and Research, stated that the facility will assist in providing appropriate advice to farmers and in maintaining food production.
“Our people being crop farmers needs to understand the type of soils, what needs to be done with the soils and what needs to be added to increase productivity,” he said.
He went on to say that universities have resources, including skilled human resources, and that all they need is some help in reaching out to and partnering with key stakeholders in the agricultural industry, as well as farmers.
According to Amb Nabukwesi, the NRF’s main focus is on empowering universities and other higher learning institutions to conduct research that will impact the socioeconomic lives of local people.
“The NRF key focus is on empowering universities in doing research to help farmers in sustainable food production,” said the PS.
He said that understanding the nature and contents of soil will ensure proper utilization while also mitigating the effects of climate change, maximizing food production and security for the country.
Dr Rachel Masake, chair of the Rongo University Council, stated that, aside from encouraging ventures in other fields, Rongo University’s main priority has always been to strengthen agriculture in the country.
“Our priority has always been to see that what comes out of Rongo University research is going to be useful for this nation,” remarked Dr Masake.
She went on to say that the type of research that will be conducted at the facility will help address some of the issues associated with the region’s inconsistent crop production.
However, she lamented that as a university in a rural setting, they are tasked with looking around to see what action can be taken to improve the lives of the people, which can be difficult at times.
Professor Samual Gudu, Vice-Chancellor of Rongo University, stated that the university has been in contact with farmers, encouraging them to bring their soil samples for lab analysis so that they can be advised appropriately on any soil challenges.
“We have allowed farmers to sample their soil and bring it to us for analysis,” said Prof. Gudu. “We will then go back and explain to them what needs to be done to improve the yield, what is missing and the quantity to put in,” he explained.
The collaboration between Rongo University and Sony Sugar Company has been hailed as one of the most important supportive initiatives in terms of soil analysis, advising sugarcane farmers on the best fertilizer to use.
Rongo University Launches Sh23 million Soil Analysis Laboratory