The government of Kenya has taken significant steps to bolster agricultural productivity by procuring and distributing 2.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer to farmers ahead of the short rains planting season. Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh announced that the fertilizer is already stocked in National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores, and the ministry is in the process of issuing E-Vouchers to farmers to facilitate the acquisition of this essential input.
This recent procurement brings the total distribution of subsidized fertilizer for the year to 8.5 million bags, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity through timely and accessible support. Dr. Ronoh emphasized that the program has seen remarkable success, contributing significantly to improved crop yields and food security.
To streamline the distribution process and ensure that farmers receive the fertilizer promptly, the government plans to engage agro-dealers to extend the coverage. This initiative aims to reduce the time and effort farmers spend traveling to NCPB stores by allowing them to collect subsidized fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides from nearby agro-dealers. This approach not only saves time but also brings essential agricultural inputs closer to the farmers.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has been instructed to ensure that all agro-dealers involved in this initiative have the appropriate professionals in place, guaranteeing the quality and effectiveness of the inputs provided to the farmers. Stringent measures have been put in place to ensure that only specified fertilizers and seeds reach the farmers through various distribution channels.
Speaking at the Kisumu Regional Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show, Dr. Ronoh praised the fertilizer subsidy program, highlighting its positive impact on agricultural productivity. He noted that during the 2023 crop production seasons, the country produced a total of 60.2 million bags (90kg each) of maize, 7.14 million bags (90kg each) of beans, 4.89 million bags (90kg each) of wheat, and 189,024 metric tonnes of rice. This increased production has led to a significant reduction in food insecurity, with the number of food-insecure individuals dropping from 2.7 million in July 2023 to 1.9 million in June 2024.
The improved agricultural output is expected to be sustained this year, with projections indicating a bumper maize harvest. In light of this, Dr. Ronoh advised farmers to build additional storage facilities to accommodate the anticipated surplus. The NCPB is also prepared to purchase maize from farmers at an agreed price, ensuring that farmers have a reliable market for their produce.
The ministry has successfully registered 6.42 million farmers, a significant increase from 1.3 million in 2022. This registration ensures that farmers are in the database to benefit from the various services provided by the ministry, including access to subsidized fertilizer. Dr. Ronoh urged all farmers to ensure their registration in the database to take full advantage of the available services.
This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to supporting the agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices. By making essential inputs more accessible and affordable, the government aims to empower farmers, boost crop yields, and ensure a stable and sufficient food supply for the nation.
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