Farmers in Kisii have been asked to embrace tissue cultured bananas.

This is due to the high and fast productivity of the improved varieties, the possibility of guaranteeing food security for residents and the handsome returns they can generate from the venture.

Already, the county government is spending Sh10 million to promote banana growing and marketing and this amount will double in the next financial year.

The Committee Executive Member in charge of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Vincent Sagwe says the county government will distribute at least 5,500 suckers to each of the nine sub-counties to encourage farmers embrace them.

Speaking at Etago in South Mugirango constituency, Sagwe said each ward will get  at least 1,100 suckers and disclosed the government’s commitment to avail high quality materials to interested farmers all the time.

Sagwe said bananas will not replace maize as the community’s stable but supplement it and guarantee residents food security.

He said food security entails availability, affordability and palatability, adding that food banks will be established in all wards so as to discourage wastage.

Sagwe said the improved banana varieties mature faster, are healthier and disease resistant and attract good returns to farmers.

Going forward, nurseries will be established at the ward levels so that residents can obtain the planting materials within their reach.

He said an investor has indicated intentions of starting a banana factory in the area soon.