Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has assured farmers that the fertiliser being distributed by the government is genuine and it should be absorbed by farmers to improve farm yields.
Speaking during a tour of Kilifi County at the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPD) depot, he also assured Kenyans that it has started mitigation measures to improve the cost of living.
“I am happy to report that over 4,000 farmers in Kilifi North have collected their e-subsidy fertiliser this planting season. I confidently say we have adequate supply of high-quality fertiliser in stock. I urge farmers to come and collect.” Said the CS.
Edible Oil Crop production
Mithika also launched the Coconut Festival at Tezo area where he distributed seeds for coconut seeds, sunflower, cashew nuts.
He stated that if fully facilitated through agriculture programs, Kenyans can become self-reliant and do away with relief aid.
The CS noted that the government is fully committed to promoting Edible Oil Crop production, especially in the coastal regions.
“We’ve already initiated a comprehensive program to distribute top-quality cashewnut and coconut seedlings, bolstering this crucial value chain.” Noted Agriculture CS.
He also promised to avail a dryer to the Kilifi NCPB depot to assist with drying, ensuring optimal moisture levels, thus reducing post-harvest losses.
“Our aim is to keep food costs down and enhance food security.” He said.
He was accompanied by Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya who said that if the government put more revenue on local industries such as the coconut and cashew industry many people will be able to get employment.
Baya added that for a long time Kilifi County has not been receiving fertiliser nor seeds from the national government but through the Kenya Kwanza administration, more than 4,000 farmers have received the fertilizer.
Jabil Mohamed from Mombasa Maize millers who also accompanied Linturi said that the cost of maize flour was dropping in line with President William Ruto’s confessions.
Jane Kairu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Cashew land limited, a cashew nut value addition firm said that she had employed 200 ladies and 20 male youth and challenged the government to invest more in cashew nut seedling production since there was a scarcity of raw cashew nuts.
