Farmers in Taita Taveta County have embraced Agribusiness farming by using fertilizer to boost production and enhance quality.
The large scale farmers mostly from Taveta sub County however say transporting the fertilizer from Voi to their farms has been tedious and extremely costly.
Led by Julius Kimondio the farmers were extremely grateful following the opening of Taveta Fertilizer Depot saying more farmers will now access the subsidized fertilizer.
Kimomdio said the availability of fertilizer will ensure high food production and in the process guarantee food security in the County and the Country at large.
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Agatha Katini, a farmer from Njukini village in Taveta said the opening of the new fertilizer depot by the County Government will now enable her increase her acreage of farming of tomatoes, vegetables and grains.
However, Salina Wakio a small farmer from Taveta expressed her concerns over the packaging and price of 50kgs bag at Ksh1300 saying its very high for some farmers.
Selina has challenged the government to consider small scale farmers by packaging some little bags of between 15-25kgs to enable them buy the subsidized fertilizer.
County Executive member for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Davis Mwangoma said the County Government through department of agriculture is determined in ensuring there is food security in the region.
He said they will enable farmers access subsidized fertilizer and hybrid seeds for better harvest.
Dr. Mwangoma said the Taveta fertilizer depot will provide CAN and DAP which will be sold to farmers at Ksh1300 for a 50kgs bag.
He added that the depot will be opened twice weekly with the support of National Cereals Board.
The farmers also urged the County Government to ensure there transparency in the distribution of the fertilizer.