4.3 million farmers have been registered in the ongoing farmer registration exercise by the government. Maize farmers registered on the platform are 1.08 million.
To access the Government subsidized fertilizers, a farmer must be digitally registered and the digital registration is ongoing at the Assistant Chief’s offices countrywide. The farmer registration will continue to cover all farmers across the different crop production enterprises.
For the 2023 long rains season, 300,000 metric tonnes of planting fertilizer amounting to 6 million bags will be available. For top dressing, the government will avail 200,000 metric tonnes amounting to 4 million bags.
So far, 1431 farmers across the country, in the counties of Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet have accessed the fertilizer according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The bags delivered are 287,000 translating to 14300 metric tonnes.
Farmers can access fertilizer at KNTC and NCPB Stores countrywide at a maximum rate of Kshs. 3500 per bag of 50kg planting fertilizer.
“The program will continue until the onset of the long rains in 2023 and until such a time when food prices in the country will be stable and fertilizer prices affordable. This measure is predicated on the recognition of high agricultural productivity as one of the key drivers to achieving 100% national food and nutrition security. It is estimated that if used well, fertilizer use can increase food and cash crop yields by up to 50%,” says the Ministry of Agriculture.
