Farmers from Rift Valley have rejected the proposal to reduce budgetary allocation to agriculture sector by 20 billion in the proposed Finance Bill, 2024.
The farmers accused the government of scheming to undermine the sector while at the same time claiming to be investing heavily in it.
In the Bill, Treasury has allocated Sh69 billion to agriculture which is a reduction from last year's Sh87 billion.
The farmers said the move will undermine gains made to stabilise the sector.
The farmers Kipkorir Menjo, Kim Kolum and Thomas Bowen spoke in Eldoret on Monday.
"We are already suffering following the distribution of fake fertiliser, the heavy taxes and now they want to make things worse by cutting the budget," Bowen said.
He said the fake fertiliser in the market affected distribution of subsidised fertiliser.
"The maize have turned yellow and have become too weak because of the fake fertiliser. It is sad that the government allowed such to happen," Bowen said.
Menjo said they expected agriculture budget to take up 10 per cent of the national budget as per the Maputo Declaration.
"Reducing the budget means agencies such as NCPB and AFC will be underfunded and forced to cut down support to farmers," he said.
The farmers have urged Parliament to revise the bill and ensure enough money is allocated for purchase of quality subsidised fertiliser and seeds.
Bowen said it is embarrassing for the government to brag about success of the subsidised fertiliser programme yet farmers received fake fertiliser which might damage the soil and reduce productivity.
“When the government distributes fake fertiliser, reduces budgets for agriculture and increases taxes on everything, it means it does not value Kenyans and more so farmers," he said.
They faulted MPs for failing to impeach Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and protecting their constituents.
“We knew they will clear him because he is one of them. Let them enjoy the benefits of fleecing us for now but their day will surely come," Bowen said.