The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a further reduction in the price of subsidized fertilizer and certified maize seed, delivering significant relief to farmers ahead of the upcoming planting season.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that farmers will now purchase a 50kg bag of subsidized fertilizer at Ksh2,000, down from the previous price of Ksh2,500.
This marks the latest in a series of government interventions aimed at lowering the cost of farm inputs and boosting agricultural productivity across the country.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. Photo: Courtesy.
The government will also meet 50 per cent of the cost of certified maize seed, effectively reducing the farmer’s price from Ksh300 to Ksh150 per kilogramme.
This translates to a 2kg pack of maize seed now costing Ksh300 instead of Ksh600, while a 10kg pack will retail at Ksh1,500, down from Ksh3,000.
A 25kg pack will be available at Ksh3,750, compared to the previous Ksh7,500.
The maize seed intervention targets approximately 40 million kilograms, translating to an estimated Ksh6 billion in government subsidy.
The initiative is expected to benefit millions of smallholder farmers who rely on maize farming for their livelihoods and food security.
Farmers will be able to access the subsidized fertilizer and maize seed through government-designated distribution channels as the intervention is rolled out across all agricultural regions.
The Ministry has assured farmers that adequate stocks have been secured to meet the anticipated demand.
The price reduction is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance food production, reduce the cost of living, and achieve food self-sufficiency.
By making essential farm inputs more affordable, the government aims to encourage increased planting and improve harvests, ultimately stabilizing food prices and ensuring national food security.
Farmers have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the lower input costs will translate to higher profits and improved livelihoods.
Agricultural stakeholders have also called for timely distribution to ensure the inputs reach farmers before the planting window closes.
