Nakuru launches mobile-phone based mechanisation school for farmers

To take knowledge closer to farmers and improve the quality of their produce, Nakuru County has partnered with a private player to launch a mobile-phone based farmers’ school.

The partnership with Hello Tractor will see farmers access information and training on mechanisation of food production.

The information will increase efficiency, reduce drudgery, and save farmers’ time, improving the quality of their produce.

Speaking during the launch of the school at Kalro Njoro, the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Minister, Dr Immaculate Maina, said:  “The school will help farmers to understand the importance of mechanised food production to increase yields, in addition to using certified seeds.”

Hello Tractor is an agricultural technology company that uses mobile technology to help tractor owners manage their equipment. The company also connects farmers with tractor owners through a digital market place.

According to Dr Maina, the technology will ease farmers’ connections to agricultural machinery and aggregation services, and give younger farmers opportunities for better farm management.

Tractor owners have been encouraged to register with the county and Hello Tractor and download the app to support mechanisation services.

The CEO and founder of Hello Tractor, Mr Jehiel Oliver, said the mobile farmer school educates farmers on best practices and invests in farming communities.

The partnership between the county and Hello Tractor will be upscaled to help farmers access tractor services easily and at an affordable cost to boost productivity.