More than 57, 000 farmers in Murang’a County have started to receive certified maize seeds and fertiliser from the local county administration.
In a programme funded at a tune of Sh88 million, each farmer is slated to get one packet of 2-kilo seeds and a total of 16 kilos of fertiliser.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata noted that only registered and verified farmers will benefit from the seeds and fertiliser, which will be distributed in various parts of the county till October 10, ahead of short rains.
The county, Kang’ata noted, has potential to produce maize for commercial purposes, saying what hinders high production is a lack of quality seeds and poor farming methods.
He noted the county has dispatched trained officers to help the farmers embrace the best ways of planting and nurturing their crops.
“The county government has committed Sh. 33 million to produce certified maize seeds and another Sh. 50 million for fertilizer. Each farmer is expected to get eight kilos of plating fertiliser and another same quantity for top dressing.
“We have partnered with the KARLO and Simlaw seed companies, which are government institutions, to supply us with the certified seeds. The fertiliser is sourced from the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB).” He added.
The seed distribution exercise, the governor noted, will be spearheaded by subcounty maize farmers’ representatives drawn from all 35 wards.
“The representatives have been taken through procedures on how to ensure all the registered farmers get the seeds and fertiliser,” he stated.
Kang’ata underscored the initiative, saying it aims to enhance food production, commercialise maize farming, and boost farmers’ income in the county.
The seeds, he confirmed, are drought-resistant, stating they are categorised in accordance with different ecological zones in the county.
“Middle and lower ecological zones of the county which receive minimal rainfall will get fast-maturing and drought-resistant seeds, while those in upper zones will get hybrid seeds.” He explained.
The Chairperson of the County Assembly Committee for Agriculture, Pauline Njeri, said they will support bills aimed at supporting food production in the county.
She said the seed distribution programme is backed by a policy that was tabled and passed in the county assembly.
“The county assembly assures farmers that all policies aimed at boosting production and price stability will be passed as we aspire to attain food security.” She averred.
A section of farmers lauded the initiative but asked the relevant government agencies that deal with wild animals to come up with measures that will protect their maize crops from invasion by velvet monkeys.
The primates have destroyed crops, leading to low food production in the region.
By Bernard Munyao
