Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has revealed that over 180,000 bags of fertiliser are being absorbed daily at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores and last-mile outlets across the country. The surge in demand is largely attributed to increased awareness of the government’s fertiliser subsidy program.
In a statement on Monday, Kagwe noted that more than 5.9 million crop farmers are now registered on the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), up from the last planting season. This expansion has enabled more farmers to access subsidised fertiliser, leading to increased uptake. Many farmers who previously benefited from the program are now doubling their fertiliser purchases, signaling a potentially historic bumper harvest. This increase in agricultural productivity is expected to enhance food security and reduce Kenya’s dependence on food imports.
To address the rising demand, Kagwe stated that the government has mobilised trucks to replenish fertiliser supplies to NCPB stores, ensuring uninterrupted access for farmers. He further directed NCPB to start preparations for the drying and storage of key staple crops, particularly maize and wheat, to minimise post-harvest losses.
The Agriculture CS also urged farmers to take proactive steps in safeguarding their harvests by acquiring Aflasafe, a product that helps control aflatoxin contamination in crops such as maize and groundnuts. He advised farmers to obtain Aflasafe from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) distribution and sales points.
The government’s fertiliser subsidy initiative has been instrumental in lowering the cost of production for farmers, thereby encouraging higher yields. By improving access to affordable agricultural inputs, the program aims to bolster national food security and stabilize market prices.
As the planting season progresses, the Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to ensuring that all farmers, including smallholder and large-scale producers, continue to benefit from the subsidised inputs. The government’s efforts to improve agricultural output are expected to have long-term positive impacts on the country’s economy and food sustainability.
