PS Andrew Rono Announces 1 Million Bags of Fertilizer
This significant seed distribution initiative aims to ensure farmers have access to quality planting materials in time for the next planting season.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Andrew Rono, has announced the distribution of 1 million bags of fertilizer for the upcoming planting season
By Jessica Nyaboke
Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Andrew Rono, has announced the distribution of 1 million bags of fertilizer for the upcoming planting season, in an effort to support farmers in key agricultural regions.
Speaking at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores in Eldoret, Rono highlighted the challenges that farmers in maize-growing areas have faced, including delays and long queues at depots, which have hindered maize production.
In his remarks, Rono explained that the fertilizer would be distributed in phases, with the first phase targeting farmers in Bungoma, Narok, and Nyamira counties. This phase is expected to be completed before the Christmas holidays.
Additionally, Rono disclosed that Kenya Seed Company has received 28 million maize seeds for the upcoming planting season, with another 28 million seeds set to be distributed by private seed companies.
This significant seed distribution initiative aims to ensure farmers have access to quality planting materials in time for the next planting season.
Rono further revealed that the government has already paid out KSh 36 million to farmers, with the remaining payments scheduled to be made before the start of the planting season. These payments are part of the ongoing efforts to support farmers and stimulate agricultural productivity.
On wheat production, Rono noted that Kenya’s wheat farmers produce approximately 2.2 million metric tonnes annually, which constitutes only 5% of the country’s wheat consumption. He emphasized the need for local wheat dealers to support farmers by purchasing locally grown wheat.
Rono also declared that no local wheat miller would be allowed to import wheat until the locally produced stock is fully utilized, a move aimed at strengthening local production and reducing dependence on imports.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii assured farmers that the county government would ensure that fertilizer is made available at local sub-county stores to ease access for farmers.
Similarly, his Bungoma counterpart, Governor Ken Lusaka, emphasized the importance of timely fertilizer distribution, committing to ensure that the required quantities are delivered on time to avoid the delays experienced in previous seasons.
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