By Augustine Were
Maize farmers in Bungoma County have raised concerns over the difficulties they face in accessing government-subsidized fertilizer, as planting season approaches. Speaking to journalists in Webuye West constituency, the farmers expressed frustration over having to travel long distances to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to collect their fertilizer. They have called on the government to distribute the fertilizer at the grassroots level through local chiefs’ offices to make it more accessible.
The farmers’ complaints were echoed by businessman Joseph Waswa, who urged the government to utilize administrative officers to conduct a comprehensive survey and identify people in need of agricultural inputs. Waswa emphasized that this approach would help streamline the distribution process and ensure that farmers are not inconvenienced by long travel times.
Waswa also raised concerns about the quality of the fertilizer provided last year, noting that there were reports of counterfeit fertilizer being distributed. He urged the government to ensure that the fertilizer supplied this year meets high-quality standards to avoid similar issues.
The call for easier fertilizer access and quality control comes after local farmers received maize seeds and food rations from the current parliamentary incumbent of Webuye West constituency. The distribution was part of the incumbent's campaign efforts, as they toured various areas of the county to garner support ahead of the upcoming general election.
As the planting season draws near, the farmers are hoping that the government will respond to their concerns to ensure a smooth and successful planting season for maize crops in the region.
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