The Ministry of Agriculture has assured of enough maize following bumper harvest in 2023 and early this year.
Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Andrew Karanja has observed that more than 60 million sacks of maize were harvested last year owing to favourable climate and subsidized fertilizer.
Karanja further noted the heavy downpour witnessed in parts of the country early months of this year maize yields is expected to surpass 70 million bags of maize this year.
“More than 60 million bags of maize were harvested in 2023, but with the favourable weather conditions early this year, we are set to exceed 70 million bags,” said the CS when he led an exercise of tree planting at KARLO grounds in Kandara Sub County on Thursday.
He said despite the prediction of minimal rainfall by the Directorate of Meteorology in the next rain season, the country has enough maize to serve Kenyans for the better part of next year.
Karanja further noted that the government has procured 1.5 million bags of high-quality subsidized fertilizer to enhance agricultural productivity in the expected short rains.
He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the upcoming rains and plant crops using the subsidized fertilizer, which is available at National Cereals and Production Board depots.
To make the fertilizer more accessible to farmers, Karanja said that the ministry is collaborating with county governments to streamline the distribution and purchase process.
“We have quality fertilizers which are on sale as farmers prepare to plant for next rain season. A bag of 50 kilos of fertilizers is going for Sh2, 500 and is available at all NCPB depots.
To facilitate easy access to the fertilizers, we are also collaborating with the county governments so that farmers can get the fertilizer close to their home areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, Karanja stressed on the importance of planting trees, noting that the country’s agricultural sector relied heavily on trees and a well conserved environment.
He reiterated his ministry’s commitment to planting more than 1.5 billion trees in support of Kenya’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Trees are very vital for the sustainability of agriculture and as a ministry, we have a target of planting 1.5 billion trees in support of the country’s target of planting 15 billion trees,” he affirmed.
Karanja called upon farmers to practice better agricultural practices which do not pose risks to the environment.
“Those cultivating along riparian lands need to stop and instead plant the recommended tree species which can preserve river banks and ensure continuous flow of water downstream,” he stated.
By Bernard Munyao
