The government has allayed fears of a crisis in the agricultural sector due to a high demand for the subsidized fertilizer ahead of the long season planting exercise.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mithika Linturi has assured farmers especially in the maize growing zones that the government will avail subsidized fertilizer across the country.
Linturi said the government has already ordered the importation of 12.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer.
“We have already started the process of importing 12.5 million bags of fertilizer to ensure our farmers prepare for the coming planting season,” said Linturi.
Speaking in Voi, Taita Taveta County, Linturi assured farmers especially maize farmers from North Rift region of enough supply of subsidized fertilizer before the long rains.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced that his ministry will reward all farmers who purchase the subsidized fertilizer 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,” added the CS.
The Cabinet Secretary has also assured farmers of enough supply of mobile grain dryers to avert cases of post-harvest losses.
During the event at the Kenya National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Voi, Linturi further stated that his ministry will collaborate with County Governments in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer and mobile grain dryers.
Crops Development Principal Secretary, Dr Paul Ronoh who was present during the event, outlined measures being implemented to ensure all registered farmers access subsidized farm inputs.
“The ministry will seal all the loopholes and ensure all farmers with e-vouchers for access to subsidized farm inputs,” added the PS.
On his part Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, who also present, hailed the government’s move to work with Counties in the last mile project of enhancing the agricultural sector through issuance of subsidized farm inputs.
The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the Agricultural Finance Corporation Board, Eng. John Mruttu among other government officials.