This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 18, 2019, Chuka University launched high-tech soil scanners in Tharaka-Nithi County, aiming to boost crop harvest and food security in the region.
The scanners, which will be free of charge for the next two years, provide on-the-spot soil analysis and fertilizer recommendations, enabling farmers to know what to do to boost soil fertility.
According to Prof Erastus Njoka, the Vice Chancellor of Chuka University, the scanners can analyze the content of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, water, and organic matter in soils in less than five minutes.
Prof Njoka emphasized the importance of embracing the new technology to boost productivity and improve food security in the region.
He also highlighted the need to increase existing irrigation acreage to mitigate climate change, which has had adverse effects on agriculture, leading to hunger almost every year.
Chuka University has partnered with the Israeli government to start a Sh23 million irrigation project on its 500-acre farm in Kairini, which will also act as a regional model.
