About 6000 small-holder farmers in Kakamega County are set to benefit from free maize seeds and fertilizer worth Sh12 million, aimed at improving farm production and enhancing food security.
The free farm inputs, courtesy of the local Women Representative’s office, will be distributed to select farmers especially those in the vulnerable categories across the 12 constituencies in the county.
Speaking during the launch of the distribution exercise at Panpaper grounds in Lugari constituency, the county MP Elsie Muhanda said the farm inputs are meant to assist small-holder farmers in the county to maximize crop cultivation for improved yields and increased food production.
Muhanda further noted that the timely distribution of the inputs is aimed at supporting the beneficiaries during the planting season besides ensuring they are well-prepared for the anticipated long rains.
She appealed to the government to reconsider packaging the fertilizer to the smallest quantity possible to match the many small-holder farmers’ financial ability.
The women rep said: “I would like to appeal to the President that going forward the government needs to be considerate of small-scale farmers who would like to purchase fertilizer in small quantities based on their ability.
“Let the fertilizer packaging be done in small quantities of up to five kilograms so that all those desiring to use fertilizer can afford. Not all farmers can afford the 25 or 50-kilogram bag,” said Muhanda, who urged the farmers to utilize the inputs effectively to promote food security in the County.
Mautuma Ward Representative Charles Anyona lauded the Woman Representative for the farm inputs program saying it will play a great role in ensuring the county is food secure.
Lugari Sub-County Persons with Disability Coordinator Emmanuel Nyongesa thanked the MP for coming into their rescue saying the free fertilizer and maize seeds will boost maize production in the county.
“On behalf of Persons with Disability we appreciate the efforts of the Woman Representative. The farm inputs will ensure our harvests increase,” he said.
By Melechezedeck Ejakait
