Fertiliser plan to boost maize seed production in Trans Nzoia

Farmers in Trans Nzoia county are set to benefit from increased maize seed production, thanks to Yara East Africa’s cutting-edge fertiliser solutions.

This initiative promises to enhance crop yields and support sustainable farming practices in the region.

Yara East Africa country manager for Kenya and Uganda William Ngeno, said the innovative fertiliser solution programmes are revolutionising maize seed farming.

This is by protecting and nourishing seeds from planting through to harvest.

“These solutions not only boost yields but also enhance farmers livelihoods contributing directly to the nation’s food security,” he said.

Ngeno was speaking at Lulu Farm in Trans Nzoia county during a seed maize farmers' field day.  

More than 150 farmers learned, shared insights and exchanged knowledge through talks and visits to the demonstration plots.

There were also testimonials on the benefits they stand to accrue by adopting Yara’s innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural farming.

Ngeno said the initiative which was started in 2019, has seen seed growers undergo training on Yara’s crop nutrition solutions.

“The process began with soil testing and analysis. This was done to identify which nutrients were needed to enhance the quality and quantity of the seed maize,” he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, the average potential production of seed maize per acre is 2,000kgs/acre (2.5 tonnes/ha).

However, the current production per acre stands at 1,000kgs, meaning that the farming land under cultivation is producing half of its potential.

In order to close the gap, Yara has partnered with key seed merchants. T

hey are conducting trials at Lulu Farm that demonstrates how their innovative solutions can help farmers double their output to close the yield gap.

“Last year, we undertook trials with the research department at Kenya Seed Company and seed maize growers. We have noted the impressive growth and yield returns by all who adopted the Yara seed maize crop nutrition programme,” he said.

“This year, one of our farmers went beyond the average potential to realise a yield of 2,400kg/acre, a great increase from an average of 1,000kg/acre,” Ngeno said.

This initiative highlights Yara’s commitment to empowering farmers with the knowledge necessary for sustainable farming.

By adopting good agricultural practices and exploring Yara’s innovative fertiliser solutions, seed maize growers can significantly enhance their productivity, he said.

This will not only meet the growing demand for quality certified seeds but also play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s national food security agenda.

Present at the event were representatives from Kenya Seed Company Ltd.

They encouraged seed maize farmers to purchase quality farm inputs including seeds and fertilisers, to ensure the potential yield of seed maize per acre is realised.

According to the Kenya National Trading Corporation, by end of last year, farmers from Uasin Gishu county were leading in the uptake of the planting fertiliser.

A Central Bank survey released in March 2024, showed that two in every three farmers in Kenya was able to purchase government’s subsidised fertiliser in March for the long rains season crops.