State releases 7.5 million bags of fertiliser ahead of 2025 planting season

In a move aimed at boosting agricultural production ahead of the 2025 planting season, the government has announced the release of 7.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser.

According to the government, the distribution will begin soon, targeting key farming counties across the country.

Both the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and certified agrovet outlets will be involved in the distribution, ensuring that farmers have easy access to the much-needed input.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh on Friday said that the fertiliser distribution would primarily target agriculturally productive counties including Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kisii, Nyamira, Nakuru, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet.

The fertiliser subsidy programme, launched by President William Ruto's administration, has attempted to ease the financial burden on farmers.

A 50-kilo bag of fertiliser, which previously retailed for around Sh6,500, is now available at a subsidised price of Sh2,500.

This reduction is seen as a major step in making farming more affordable for small and medium-scale farmers who were struggling with rising input costs.

"This subsidy programme has helped stabilise food prices by increasing local production, leading to a significant drop in food imports over the past two years," Ronoh said.

Tea growers

The government has also extended the fertiliser subsidy programme to small-scale tea growers, with 680,000 farmers in the sector expected to benefit through the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

The goal is to boost tea production, both for local consumption and the export market, which has seen growing demand in recent years.

However, some farmers have voiced concerns, calling for the reopening of registration for the subsidy programme.

Many feel that they were excluded from the initial registration.

PS Ronoh acknowledged these concerns, stating that the government remains committed to ensuring that as many farmers as possible benefit from the initiative.

The government has also taken steps to address the challenges facing local wheat farmers.

During the fertiliser distribution launches in Bomet and Narok counties, PS Ronoh, alongside Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting farmers.

Wheat imports halted

In response to concerns from wheat farmers, the government has temporarily suspended wheat imports until locally produced stocks are depleted.

Currently, around 125,000 bags of wheat remain unsold at NCPB depots, posing a financial strain on farmers.

PS Ronoh also announced that the Agriculture and Food Authority will regulate cereal imports, ensuring that millers are required to buy a specific percentage of local produce before receiving permits to import.

This move is expected to support local production and reduce dependence on imported wheat.

In addition to wheat, the government is addressing issues within the potato farming sector.

PS Ronoh highlighted the ongoing enforcement of regulations requiring 50-kilogramme packaging for potatoes, aiming to curb exploitation by middlemen who have been accused of unfair pricing practices.

With Narok County being Kenya's largest wheat producer, contributing 168,000 metric tonnes in 2023, the government's efforts are particularly focused on ensuring the region's farmers thrive and benefit from the subsidies and support.