Farmers in Meru County are at the moment reaping big rewards thanks to subsidised fertiliser that was issued by the government.
Some of those who spoke to KNA confessed that they had never experienced the bumper harvest they have now in the recent past and are calling on the government to ensure that the programme is upheld.
Ms. Agnes Bundi, from Mbuinjiru village in Imenti North, who engages in potato and maize farming, said for the last four years, she has never reaped as much as is the case at the moment.
“I have been planting potatoes on my farm for the last four years, but I have never realised the kind of harvest I have now. I guess I have been using the wrong fertilisers, and we thank the government for coming up with the subsidised fertiliser programme, which has really helped us to increase our harvest,” said Ms. Bundi.
She added that she has also realised the same success from her maize farm, adding that she can now comfortably feed her family and sell some produce for other purposes.
Mr. Joseph Bundi, a neighbouring farmer, also reported a similar story from his cabbage farm.
“I have been planting cabbages on this farm for some years now, but I have never had such good tidings. I want to believe that the whole secret is about the type of fertiliser we have been using, and this is the reason we are pleading with the government to uphold this programme so we can have enough food for our families and the country at large,” said Mr. Bundi.
Ms. Purity Gatwiri, another maize farmer, is also expecting to have a bumper harvest from her one-acre farm courtesy of the same intervention.
But Caroline Murithi, an officer from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Meru Depot, warns farmers against buying fertilisers from unauthorised sellers who have been selling substandard ones.
“We are calling on the farmers to ensure they get their fertiliser direct from our depot since there are people out there lying to them and selling substandard fertiliser. Don’t fall prey to such people if you want to get quality fertiliser,” said Ms. Murithi.
By Dickson Mwiti
