An MP has moved a motion to compel the government to support local fertiliser manufacturing industries by investing in research and development.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi regretted that the country currently relies heavily on imported fertiliser due to inadequate local production capacity.
“This scenario threatens the country’s food security in case of supply disruptions and discourages local production,” he stated.
He explained that local fertiliser production could lead to improved fertiliser quality, increased crop yields and reduction in environmental harm caused by the use of substandard inputs.
“The country has the potential to produce fertiliser that could meet the country’s domestic demand and also supply the regional market,” he stated.
Atandi added that there is need for the Government to work with local producers to develop high quality fertiliser tailored to meet the needs of Kenyan farmers and crops.
He urged the House to resolve that the national Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, supports and promotes local fertiliser manufacturing industries by investing in research and development to foster the domestic fertiliser manufacturing sector.
The government has since announced a significant reduction in fertiliser prices from the current Sh3500 to Sh2500 per 50kg bag.
The reduction, effective from August 1, is aimed at increasing farmers' yields and promoting agricultural productivity.
President William Ruto, addressing the press on August 2, stressed that the price cut is a crucial step in supporting the country's agricultural sector.
He said the reduction in price is expected to significantly boost the uptake of fertiliser.
The President urged farmers to increase the amount of fertiliser used in their farms to increase their farm output.