Busia farmers remain optimistic about attaining food security following intervention from the national government with an additional supply of 2,888 bags of subsidised fertilisers that were flagged off by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala at Amukura DCC ground.
While addressing the residents of Teso South and North subcounties, Malala noted that the government remains committed to ensuring farmers are cushioned from high prices of farm produce in order to ensure Kenya is food secure.
“The subsidised fertiliser programme is in line with the Kenya Kwanza agenda of cushioning the farmers against the high cost of fertiliser, which in the previous administration was nearly Sh7,000 to current Sh2,500 per 50kg bag, which will mitigate the food insecurity cases witnessed in the past few months,” said Malala.
Malala added that the government would conduct soil sampling in Busia County to address the challenge of soil acidity, which has been a hindrance to farmers ability to get maximum farm produce.
“Busia will receive lime next week to neutralise the soil acidity that stands at 75 percent. The government will also engage with seed companies to ensure farmers get certified and affordable seeds on time,” he added.
He urged farmers across the country to register at any NCPB store or assistant chief’s office near them to access the subsidised fertiliser, as it aims to promote accountability and efficiency in fertiliser distribution.
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma applauded the move by the national government to support efforts of farmers in both long and short rains, which has seen maize prices in Busia drop from Sh230 to Sh80 per two-kg tin within the first eight months of its administration.
“I will support every development initiative by the national government that aims to revitalise the agriculture and economy of the Busia people. My government has put all measures in place to ensure agriculture is the top employer as the county has great potential,” said Otuoma.
The governor added that he has instructed the Agriculture Department to employ 10 agriculture extension officers in every ward to address agriculture problems at the village level. Busia County government has already registered over 100,000 farmers.
Their sentiments were echoed by PS Agriculture Kello Harshama, who noted that Busia and other counties that have two planting seasons would always be given first priority in the subsidised fertiliser supply.
“Busia, among other western counties that have two planting seasons, will be given first priority when there is a supply of subsidised fertilisers to help farmers plant on time,” said the PS.
He added that depots would be decentralised to sub-county levels to save farmers from travel costs. They have been inquiring about accessing a few designated NCPB depots.
Busia County received 23,065 bags in the first phase of subsided fertiliser supply, out of which 12,140 bags were sold and 10,925 bags were yet to be picked by farmers. 8750 of the fertilisers that were supplied in phase one were for planting and 14,315 for top-dressing.
Teso South led the list of farmers who registered for the second phase with over 1230 farmers, followed by Teso North with 1061, while Bunyala had the least with 5 farmers registering for subsidised fertiliser.
By Absalom Namwalo
