Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged the national government to ensure that subsidized fertilizer is delivered to NCPB depots on time ahead of the upcoming planting season.
"Farming is all about timing. We cannot afford a scenario where planting fertilizer arrives when crops are already being weeded," Lusaka stated.
The Governor further called for strict adherence to quality and quantity standards, noting that past incidents of poor-quality fertilizer and even stones being sold to farmers had eroded trust.
Lusaka also criticized the perennial shortage of fertilizer, which has often led to chaotic scenes of farmers scrambling for limited supplies. He reiterated the Governors' earlier proposal for counties to manage fertilizer procurement through conditional grants from the national government, a plan that was rejected.
"The national government must prioritize listening to farmers because they know what works best for them," he added.
The Governor also encouraged farmers to explore agribusiness opportunities and diversify their farming practices to maximize profits.
In response, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono assured farmers that sufficient fertilizer stocks were already available in NCPB depots for both the short and long planting seasons. He urged farmers to begin purchasing fertilizer early to prepare for the next season.
Dr. Rono’s reassurance comes as farmers brace for the critical planting period, with timely support expected to enhance agricultural productivity and food security across the country.
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Agriculture