Kisii Farmers Benefit from National Value Chain Support Programme
Kisii County farmers are set to gain continued support under the National Value Chain Support Programme (NVCSP), which provides subsidized farm inputs to registered participants in selected value chains. The programme, which allocated Sh100 million to Kisii County in 2021, has already enabled over 2,000 farmers to access quality seeds, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals through an innovative e-voucher system, ensuring timely delivery and real-time payments to agro-dealers. The initiative was launched under Version III of the e-voucher platform, focusing on the Short Rains of 2022, with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting food security.
During the launch, Acting Principal Secretary of the State Department for Crops Development and Agricultural Research, Dr. Francis Owino, praised the stakeholders for their role in ensuring effective implementation. Access to affordable, quality inputs is critical for boosting agricultural output, he said, urging the programme to reach as many farmers as possible. Kisii County’s Chief Officer for Agriculture, Geoffrey Mogire, emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy and stressed the need for increased government funding to expand benefits to more farmers. The programme’s latest version has been rolled out across all 45 wards in the county, improving upon earlier pilots in four wards, and targets key crops including maize, coffee, rice, and Irish potatoes.
The NVCSP also seeks to empower small and medium-sized enterprises by fostering partnerships with agro-dealers to improve the last mile delivery of inputs. Under the scheme, farmers contribute 60 percent of the market price for inputs while the government covers the remaining 40 percent, striking a balance between affordability and sustainability. Looking ahead, the programme is expected to further enhance agricultural transformation in Kisii, boosting productivity, income, and food security for rural households while promoting private-public collaboration in the agricultural sector.