Kajiado,

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

KNA by Rop Janet

 Farmers in Kajiado County have been urged to register for the government’s fertilizer subsidy program.

Kajiado County Commissioner Jude Wasonga revealed that the registration for the second phase was ongoing in all sub-counties and farmers should ensure that they register so as not to be left out.

Speaking in Kajiado, Wasonga said the registration exercise targets farmers who had not been included in the system during the first registration exercise.

The exercise is aimed at creating a digitized national farmer register that will help eliminate brokers and rogue traders who have been exploiting farmers by accessing and reselling subsidized fertilizers at higher prices.

The CC noted that only farmers who have been registered would receive the fertilizers which will enable them to boost crop production in the coming short rains.

“We are approaching the rainy season and I want to urge all farmers to register for the subsidized fertilizer for use during the planting season. Only registered farmers will be able to access the subsidized fertilizers,” he said.

The CC emphasized the government’s commitment to improving food security by enabling farmers to access affordable farm inputs thus reducing the cost of production and increasing agricultural productivity.

Over 5 million farmers countrywide are currently registered for the fertilizer subsidy program and have been able to access fertilizers at a subsidized price of Sh. 3,500 per 50kg bag down from Sh. 6500.

President William Ruto on August 2, 2023, launched the second phase of the fertilizer subsidy program that reduces the price of the commodity for farmers countrywide further from Sh3,500 to Sh2,500.

“For the coming short rains, the government has embarked on the distribution of fertilizer to farmers throughout the country, with a view to ultimately delivering 100,000 MT, or 2 million 50kg bags, at a subsidized cost of Sh2,500,” he stated.

 The President further announced the launch of the second phase of the countrywide digital farmer registration exercise and a last-mile partnership with county governments.

He encouraged farmers across the country to re-double the use of the subsidized fertilizers distributed by the government at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in order to increase production which will eventually lower the high cost of living.

So far, 3 million bags of subsidized fertilizer have been supplied to farmers since the government launched the first phase of the fertilizer subsidy program.

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