The government has sold 287,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser to maize farmers so far, Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has revealed.
Linturi said only registered farmers have efficient access to fertilisers which are selling at a subsided price of Sh3,500 per bag, during a media briefing on Thursday.
He said that as of February 2023, 4.3 million farmers have been registered.
"Maize farmers on the platform are 1.08 million. The bags delivered are 287,000 translating to 14, 300 metric tons, " Linturi said.
He said farmers must be registered digitally to access the government's subsidised fertilisers.
"Digitisation is a key plank of the government’s agenda and is not only important for efficiency but also enhances traceability, accountability and transparency in fertiliser distribution," the CS said.
The fast-tracked continuous farmer registration exercise began on January 6, 2023.
About 10 million (50kg) bags of assorted fertiliser will be availed to farmers under the subsidy fertiliser programme for the long rains season.
This includes six million bags of planting and four million bags of top-dressing fertilisers.
To date 1, 431 farmers in more than 10 counties have been able to access fertiliser.
These counties include Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Bungoma and Elgeyo Marakwet.
"Farmers can access fertiliser at KNTC and NCPB stores countrywide at a maximum rate of Sh3,500 per bag of 50kg planting fertiliser," the CS said.
