Nyandarua government signed a Sh72 million agreement to support 3,600 small-scale farmers with subsidized farm inputs in the long rains planting season.
This move came after signing the memorandum of understanding between Apollo Agriculture, a horticultural farming promoting organization and the county government of Nyandarua. The county is now part of the initiative as those in the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
The initiative targets farmers with between half an acre and three acres of land. Each beneficiary is given inputs worth Sh20,000.
The Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries executive Dr James Karitu said the programme guarantees supply of quality inputs including seeds to the farmers. As part of the package, the programme comes with training and guaranteed marketing opportunities.
During the signing of the agreement, the agriculture financing organization’s extension officer, Mr Peter Muthii, said Nyandarua joins other counties under the great initiative.
“We began our operations in 2017 with 1,200 farmers from Nakuru County. We have since moved to other areas, including Kakamega, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Busia. We will provide a Sh20,000 package in the form of seeds and fertilizers to registered farmers,” said Mr Muthii. Adding that farmers’ crops will also be insured under the initiative.