Farmers in Vihiga County have received a reprieve after the county procured subsidized fertilizer worth Kshs 40 million which will be distributed next week. The County Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture Nixon Amendi said the fertilizer will be distributed to vulnerable farmers who have a piece of land to plough.
He said Farmers will be buying a bag of 50 kilogrammes at Ksh 1,000 adding that 1040 bags will be distributed to each of the 25 wards in the county for sale.
Amendi pointed out that they had put adequate measures in place to ensure that unscrupulous traders would not buy the fertilizer and later sell to farmers at a high price.
“We want all farmers in the villages to access the subsidized fertilizer. We have informed our extension officers to be transparent and sale to the targeted group,” said Amendi.
Amendi cautioned officers involved in the distribution and selling of the commodity to shun corruption.
The CEC noted that he was optimistic that the move would help improve food production in the county.
He added that the county will also distribute 2kg pack of maize to 28,000 targeted farmers in this fiscal year.
Speaking in his office, he said it’s an opportune time for farmers to buy the fertilizer at reduced rates during the start of the rainy season.
“The 50 kg fertilizer goes for Kshs 1700 at local shops and therefore they should take advantage of buying it at a cheaper price of shillings 1000,” he said.
He also said that large-scale farmers can access the commodity at the local cereals at shillings 1800 for a 50 kg bag.