County recieves 258, 000 bags of subsidised fertiliser

By Peter Ochieng

The national government has distributed 258, 000 bags of fertiliser for farmers in Bungoma county.

The subsidised fertiliser will be sold at Sh2,500 per 50kg bag, down from Sh3, 500 early this year.

Initially, the price was between Sh6, 000 and Sh7, 500 before President William Ruto, upon assuming office about a year ago, directed efforts towards reducing the cost of inputs for improved agricultural productivity.

Speaking during a flag off ceremony in Webuye, Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka said the move will lead a drastic increase in food production.

"As the price of fertiliser goes down, we will surely have enough food," he said.

He said with increased food production in the offing, national and county governments should buy farm products from farmers at competitive prices, to prevent middle men from exploiting them.

Lusaka was flanked by United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala.

Malala assured farmers across the country that there is enough subsidised fertiliser for everyone.

"We will give out enough fertiliser."

He urged governors to do away with fertiliser susbsidy programs in their counties, and instead focus on ensuring that vulnerable farmers get farm inputs for free.

Malala is expected to flag off subsidised fertiliser in Kakamega and Busia counties today.