TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja has announced that Kenya is on track to increase its maize production this year, with an anticipated harvest of up to 70 million bags.
This would mark a notable rise from previous years, attributed to favorable weather conditions and robust government support for farmers.
Dr. Karanja made this announcement during his inspection tour of four Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and Kenya Seed Company (KSC) farms in Trans Nzoia County.
He attributed the projected bumper harvest to good rainfall and the government’s provision of subsidized fertilizers, which has allowed farmers to expand their acreage under maize cultivation.
“I am really happy that, compared to last season where we managed between 40 and 60 million bags, this year’s crop is more promising. We expect to harvest 70 million bags of 90 kg each,” said Dr. Karanja.
He noted that this surge in production signifies a positive shift towards ensuring the country’s food security.
During his visit, Dr. Karanja highlighted the collaboration between ADC, KSC, and other agricultural stakeholders, which has been instrumental in boosting maize production.
“As the government, we will continue to support both the Kenya Seed Company and the Agricultural Development Corporation to fulfill their roles in the agricultural sector,” he said.
The CS praised the dedication of farmers who, with government assistance, have achieved such promising results.
To sustain this momentum, Dr. Karanja revealed that the government plans to increase the supply of subsidized fertilizer, priced at Sh2,500 per bag, to help farmers maintain high productivity levels.
In preparation for the next planting season, Dr. Karanja mentioned that Kenya Seed Company is expected to harvest around 70 million kilos of seed maize.
Meanwhile, ADC, a major contracted seed grower, is projected to produce 10 million kilos of seed maize, according to its Managing Director, Wilson Tonui.
To avoid future shortages, the government is committed to ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of seeds to farmers across the country.
Earlier this year, the Kenya Seed Company faced a shortage of some seed varieties, which impacted farmers in the North Rift region.
Dr. Karanja assured farmers that the government is keen on preventing such occurrences in the future.
Accompanying Dr. Karanja during the tour were Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Purity Ngirici, CEO Sammy Chepsiror, and Ferdinand Wanyonyi, a member of the National Assembly Agriculture Committee.
The CS emphasized the importance of continued engagement with farmers to boost the productivity of major crops, ensuring Kenya’s agricultural sector thrives.
This would mark a notable rise from previous years, attributed to favorable weather conditions and robust government support for farmers.
Dr. Karanja made this announcement during his inspection tour of four Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and Kenya Seed Company (KSC) farms in Trans Nzoia County.
He attributed the projected bumper harvest to good rainfall and the government’s provision of subsidized fertilizers, which has allowed farmers to expand their acreage under maize cultivation.
“I am really happy that, compared to last season where we managed between 40 and 60 million bags, this year’s crop is more promising. We expect to harvest 70 million bags of 90 kg each,” said Dr. Karanja.
He noted that this surge in production signifies a positive shift towards ensuring the country’s food security.
During his visit, Dr. Karanja highlighted the collaboration between ADC, KSC, and other agricultural stakeholders, which has been instrumental in boosting maize production.
“As the government, we will continue to support both the Kenya Seed Company and the Agricultural Development Corporation to fulfill their roles in the agricultural sector,” he said.
The CS praised the dedication of farmers who, with government assistance, have achieved such promising results.
To sustain this momentum, Dr. Karanja revealed that the government plans to increase the supply of subsidized fertilizer, priced at Sh2,500 per bag, to help farmers maintain high productivity levels.
In preparation for the next planting season, Dr. Karanja mentioned that Kenya Seed Company is expected to harvest around 70 million kilos of seed maize.
Meanwhile, ADC, a major contracted seed grower, is projected to produce 10 million kilos of seed maize, according to its Managing Director, Wilson Tonui.
To avoid future shortages, the government is committed to ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of seeds to farmers across the country.
Earlier this year, the Kenya Seed Company faced a shortage of some seed varieties, which impacted farmers in the North Rift region.
Dr. Karanja assured farmers that the government is keen on preventing such occurrences in the future.
Accompanying Dr. Karanja during the tour were Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Purity Ngirici, CEO Sammy Chepsiror, and Ferdinand Wanyonyi, a member of the National Assembly Agriculture Committee.
The CS emphasized the importance of continued engagement with farmers to boost the productivity of major crops, ensuring Kenya’s agricultural sector thrives.
