- The government allayed fears among farmers saying it will ensure enough fertiliser across the country
- The Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with County Governments in the distribution of subsidized fertiliser and mobile grain dryers
The government has announced that it will import at least 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser ahead of the April planting season.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mithika Linturi said the fertiliser will reach every registered farmer.
There have been fears that some farmers might miss the fertiliser due to the high demand.
“We have already started the process of importing 12.5 million bags of fertiliser to prepare farmers for the coming planting season,” Linturi said.
The extra bags will help cushion the country against the maize deficit and enhance food security.
He said his ministry will reward all farmers who purchase the subsidised fertiliser with free sunflower seeds.
“The Kenya Kwanza government seeks to reduce importation of edible oils that’s why we want to revive the sunflower industry,” the CS said.
Last year the country produced 80 million bags of maize, up from 60 million bags.
The high production was attributed to the subsidised fertiliser.
The government also distributed six million bags of fertiliser as it stepped up efforts to boost food security and stabilise prices.
The CS spoke at the Kenya National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Voi, Taita Taveta county.
He assured farmers of enough supply for mobile grain dryers to reduce post-harvest losses.
The ministry will collaborate with county governments to distribute the fertiliser and mobile grain dryers.
Crops Development Principal Secretary, Paul Ronoh who was present at the event, outlined measures being implemented to ensure all registered farmers access subsidised farm inputs.
“The ministry will seal all the loopholes and ensure all farmers with e-vouchers have access to subsidised farm inputs,” he said.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime praised the government’s collaboration with counties to enhance agriculture.
“I welcome the initiative and the collaboration that the CS has talked about so that our farmers can access subsidised fertiliser and also curb post-harvest losses,’’ he said.
The Agricultural Finance Corporation Board chairman John Mruttu and other government officials also attended the event.