Over 57,000 farmers in Murang’a County are receiving certified maize seeds and fertilizers under an initiative launched by the county government. The program, valued at KSh 88 million, is part of a broader effort to elevate maize production, ensuring higher yields and increased income for local farmers.
The initiative, spearheaded by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, aims to address key challenges hindering large-scale maize production in the region. According to Governor Kang’ata, the two main obstacles farmers face are access to quality seeds and the use of outdated farming methods. By tackling these issues, the county government hopes to turn Murang’a into a commercial maize-producing region, contributing significantly to food production and supply across Kenya.
Certified Seeds and Fertilizer Distribution
Under this initiative, each farmer will receive one packet of certified 2-kilogram maize seeds and 16 kilograms of fertilizer — 8 kilograms of planting fertilizer and 8 kilograms of top-dressing fertilizer. The seed distribution program is set to continue until October 10, ahead of the anticipated short rains.
Governor Kang’ata stressed that only registered and verified farmers will benefit from the distribution. He explained that trained agricultural officers have been dispatched to various parts of the county to ensure that farmers adopt the best practices for planting and nurturing their crops.
The county government is working with renowned agricultural institutions like the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and Simlaw Seed Company to supply the certified maize seeds. Additionally, the fertilizers are sourced from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to guarantee quality and effectiveness.
“The county government has allocated KSh 33 million towards the production of certified maize seeds and another KSh 50 million for fertilizers. This is part of our long-term strategy to uplift maize farming and make it a profitable venture for our farmers,” Kang’ata said.
Targeting Different Ecological Zones
One of the key aspects of the program is the categorization of seeds according to the county’s varying ecological zones. The middle and lower regions of Murang’a, which receive less rainfall, will be provided with drought-resistant and fast-maturing maize seeds. On the other hand, farmers in the upper ecological zones, which benefit from more consistent rainfall, will receive hybrid seeds designed to yield high production.
Kang’ata highlighted the importance of equipping farmers with seeds that are suited to their local environmental conditions. This approach is expected to maximize productivity across the diverse regions within the county, ensuring farmers get the best out of their crops despite variations in rainfall and climate.
Collaborative Efforts
The success of this initiative is supported by the Murang’a County Assembly, which has backed policies designed to increase food production. Pauline Njeri, the chairperson of the County Assembly’s Committee for Agriculture, expressed the assembly’s commitment to passing relevant bills that support agricultural development and price stability.
“The county assembly assures farmers that we will continue to back all policies aimed at boosting production and enhancing food security,” Njeri said. She added that the seed distribution program is built on a policy framework already passed in the assembly, providing a solid foundation for the continued support of farmers.
Challenges Ahead
While farmers in Murang’a have praised the initiative, they have also voiced concerns about wild animals, particularly velvet monkeys, which have been causing widespread crop damage. Farmers called on relevant government agencies to implement measures that protect their maize crops from these destructive primates, which have significantly impacted food production in the region.
In response, local officials are exploring strategies to mitigate the damage caused by wildlife, as they recognize the importance of protecting farmers’ investments and ensuring food security.
Conclusion
This initiative by the Murang’a County government represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by maize farmers. By providing certified seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural support, the county hopes to revolutionize maize farming in the region. The ultimate goal is to ensure food security, improve livelihoods, and position Murang’a as a key player in Kenya’s agricultural sector. As the program unfolds, farmers across the county are hopeful that their efforts, combined with government support, will yield fruitful results in the upcoming planting season.
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