Vihiga County has received 40,000 fifty-kilogramme (kg) bags of subsidised fertiliser for planting maize during the short rainy season.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said the 50-kg bag would be sold to farmers at Sh. 2,500, down from Sh. 3,500, in line with the national government’s effort to bring down the cost of inputs so as to realise food security.
Dr. Ottichilo lauded the initiative, noting that the consignment, consisting of the planting and top-dressing fertiliser, has come at the opportune time when the farmers are preparing for the second planting.
The governor was speaking during the flagging off of the package of fertilisers at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot at Chavakali Market for redistribution to the Hamisi outlet to serve the residents in that area.
He instructed the agricultural extension officers to educate farmers on how to appropriately use the inputs in order to enhance productivity.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary General (SG) Cleophas Malala, on his part, said Vihiga is among the 30 counties that receive short rains and hence was selected to benefit from the subsidy programme.
Malala added that in the subsequent distribution, the package would include the 25-kg bags for the convenience of farmers with smaller pieces of land.
By Sammy Mwibanda
