Farmers in Vihiga could soon benefit from more convenient fertiliser packaging if proposals by local leaders are adopted.
Sabatia Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Festus Munyao has called on fertiliser manufacturers and relevant government agencies to consider repackaging fertiliser into smaller quantities suitable for farmers with small land holdings.
Speaking in Sabatia Sub-County, Munyao noted that most farmers in Vihiga operate on small parcels of land that do not require the standard 50-kilogram bag commonly available in the market.
He emphasised that smaller, affordable packaging would ease access for smallholder farmers, reduce wastage, and lower the financial burden on households.
“In regions like Vihiga where farms are small, many farmers do not need the full 50kg bag. Smaller packaging would make it easier and more affordable for them to purchase the right quantity for their farms,” he said.
The DCC added that aligning fertiliser packaging with the realities of small-scale farming would enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen food security efforts in the county.
“With the planting season around the corner, many farmers are preparing their farms. However, most operate on small pieces of land that do not require a full 50kg bag. Smaller packaging would make fertiliser more affordable and reduce wastage,” he explained.
Farmers in the area have welcomed the proposal, saying it would enable them to buy fertiliser according to their specific needs and financial capacity.
More than 5.9 million crop farmers are registered under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), reflecting widespread engagement with the programme as of March 2025.
The move to promote smaller fertiliser packages could mark a significant step toward inclusive agricultural support tailored to Kenya’s smallholder-dominated farming sector.
By Rose Wasike
