Maize farmers in the North Rift region have expressed optimism that they will harvest more produce this year.
The farmers say following access to affordable fertilizer and other farm inputs, this year’s harvest will be higher than what they had in 2022.
David Kiberenge, a farmer in Uasin Gishu and Cooperatives Union official in the region told Uasin Gishu News that based on the amount of seeds purchased this year, they are projecting to harvest at least 7 million bags of maize.
“In 2021, farmers bought about 2.25 milion kilograms of seeds but this year the number has gone up to 2.725 million kilograms from Kenya Seed,” Kiberenge said.
“This means we are anticipating about 5 milion bags of maize and when you compile that figure with seeds bought in other companies, it brings to a total of 7 million bags,” he added.
The farmers points out that government’s subsidized fertilizer made things easier for them.
Impact of fertilizer subsidy
In 2022, farmers were purchasing a 50 kilogram bag of planting fertilizer for as high as Ksh6,500.
However, the government subsidized the price to Ksh3,500 this year.
“Fertilizer has been a challenge over the years but this year was different. When you walk around farms in the region, you will see the maize plantations are in good condition, even where it has been performing poorly,” said Kiberenge.
But even with the availing of subsidized fertilizer, farmers expect better maize prices in the market.
This year, the prices went as high as Ksh7,000 per 90 kilogram bag maize.
However, the North Rift Cooperatives leader says the lowest the prices can do this year based on the cost of production is Ksh3,500 per 90kg bag.
“We bought fertilizer at Ksh3,500 per bag and we expect the maize prices will be the same,” Kiberenge said.
“We also ask that the government do not import maize, but in stead support us local farmers. Kenyan farmers can produce sufficient food to feed everyone,” be added.
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