Posted on February, 1, 2024 at 11:22 am
The government has launched nationwide distribution of subsidised fertiliser, with an ambitious target of issuing 12 million bags of the product to farmers.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi spoke on Wednesday at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Nakuru County, where he flagged off 2,300 bags of the commodities for Nakuru County farmers.
He said that this year, his ministry will aim to double the number of subsidized fertiliser bags from the previous 6 million distributed in 2023.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that last year the country produced 80 million bags of maize, up from 60 million bags due to the purchase of subsidised fertiliser by local farmers.
“We are proud that in 2023, we managed to produce 80 million bags of maize due to the use of subsidized fertilizer,” said Linturi.
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Crop Development, Dr. Paul Rono who accompanied the CS, appealed to farmers to fully utilise the fertiliser to ensure they improve their yields.
“The nationwide distribution of subsidized fertilizer will be fast-tracked as we aim to avail the commodities to farmers ahead of the long rain season,” stated Dr Rono.
The CS also unveiled five solar mobile grain dryers for farmers at Elburgon, Olenguruone, Subukia, Naivasha and Nakuru NCPB Depots.
He noted that the government targets eradicating post-harvest losses of grain harvests through the use of mobile grain dryers for sufficient drying before storage.
According to CS Linturi, so far, the ministry has distributed 43 out of the 100 grain dryers that the government recently acquired.
“The Kenya Kwanza administration is determined to increase food production in the country and reduce post-harvest losses through modern technology and advanced farming solutions as we aim to achieve food security,” added Linturi.
Linturi later also flagged off bags of subsidised fertiliser at the Kedowa NCPB Depot in Kericho County.
The event was also attended by Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, Nakuru Deputy Governor, David Kones, area leaders, and other state officials.
Source: The Citizen