Subsidised fertiliser easing farmers' burden on the cost of input

More than four million farmers have registered to participate in the scheme aimed at removing cartels from the fertiliser distribution chain. [iStockphoto]

The government's distribution of affordable fertiliser is a significant boon to farmers who have been struggling with high farm input costs, forcing some to reduce crop production acreage.

Because of the transparency and accountability in the registration process, small-scale farmers will be able to benefit from the scheme and be empowered to venture into agriculture as a profitable investment.

The agricultural sector contributes to the country's economy by ensuring food security and providing the majority of raw materials for the industrial sector.

More than four million farmers have registered to participate in the scheme aimed at removing cartels from the fertiliser distribution chain.

Unlike last season, when farmers paid Sh6,500 per bag of fertiliser, the government-subsidised fertiliser costs Sh3,500, easing the burden on farmers who can afford to apply the right amounts of nutrients to boost crop yield.

To maintain production, the country requires an average of 650,000 bags of planting fertiliser per year.

The Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto, is on the right track in implementing its pre-election pledges to reform the agriculture sector as part of efforts to increase food production and lower living costs.

Cereal farmers in the country's bread basket, the North Rift region, stand to benefit from the scheme, increasing maize yield from the current 16 million bags.

Almost a month since the programme was rolled out, large and small farmers in the region have collected the fertiliser from the National Cereals and Produce Board ready for this season's planting exercise. The latest move to register farmers and avail affordable fertiliser among other farm inputs will enable the country to attain food security.

Letter from Bethwel Kaino.