The Principal Secretary (PS) for agriculture Dr. Paul Ronoh has said the government is going to establish last-mile stores in a bid to ensure the accessibility of subsidized fertilizers to the farmers.
Dr. Ronoh stated that farmers would be getting a 50-kilogram (Kgs) bag at Sh. 2,500 at the nearest store or from the agro-dealer.
The PS said this in a speech read by Vihiga County Commissioner (CC) Felix Watakila during the launch of the government fertilizer subsidy programme at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot, at Chavakali market in Sabatia sub-county.
The CC said the first consignment of 200 bags had been delivered and assured the residents that more stock would be coming in in due course to enable timely planting.
He added that the farmers, who must be registered, are expected to provide e-vouchers indicating they have made payments before they receive their package.
The administrator urged the people to diversify their agricultural enterprises so that they could have multiple products and sources of income.
The area Deputy Governor (DG) Wilberforce Kitiezo, called on the residents to take advantage of the subsidized fertilizers to boost food production so that the county becomes food secure.
Mr. Kitiezo said the county government in collaboration with other partners would continue to carry out capacity-building programmes for the farmers to enable them to become successful agriprenuers.
The DG stated that Practical Action in partnership with the county, has trained 250 youth in the poultry, tomatoes, groundnuts, and African Leafy vegetable value chains.
By Sammy Mwibanda
