Organic Farming Experts Want The Government To Increase Funding-News Bite On Kbc Tv

In the intricate dance of the food value chain, experts are calling for a revolutionary step, a move that transcends traditional boundaries. Frederick Ocheng, the ever-passionate coordinator of the Biovision Africa Trust Farmer Communication Program, is leading the charge. His rallying cry? Extend the fertilizer subsidy to embrace the organic revolution.

Fertilizer Subsidy 2.0: Beyond Synthetic Constraints

In the pulsating rhythm of agricultural progress, the 2022-2023 supplementary budget allocated a staggering 14 billion Shillings to stabilize synthetic fertilizer prices. Yet, Ocheng and his cadre of forward-thinkers are urging the government to broaden its scope. Organic fertilizer, they argue, is not just a choice; it's a necessity. A lifeline to our soils.

"Synthetic fertilizers feed the crops, but they don't feed the soils," Ocheng asserts with unwavering conviction. It's a truth that resonates deeply in agricultural circles. The call is clear: we need to shift towards manure management, towards practices that enrich rather than deplete our life-source – the soils.

The Organic Symphony: Locally Grown, Globally Cherished

Organic farming, often hailed as the avant-garde of sustainable agriculture, beckons with promises beyond the conventional. The experts emphasize a crucial shift: from buying seeds to cultivating a farmer-managed seed system. Imagine a world where farmers aren't tethered to the shelves of agro-stores for their seeds but, instead, are the masters of their agricultural destiny, sharing seeds among themselves.

But it doesn't stop there. In the world of agricology, the local is not just celebrated; it's the hero. Ocheng passionately details how farmers craft their own fertilizers using locally available materials. It's a symphony of sustainability, where the inputs are not outsourced but are born from the very land they nourish. The result? Economic benefits, health benefits, and a resounding endorsement from the earth itself.

The Cost Conundrum: Bridging the Gap for Smallholders

Amidst the buzz of change, a crucial question emerges: How much do our farmers spend on the synthetic crutch that is pesticides and herbicides? Ocheng's response is a wake-up call. "It's too expensive for farmers." The economic strain on smallholders is undeniable. The push towards organic farming isn't just an eco-conscious move; it's an economic imperative.

The agricological approach emerges as a beacon, promising not only reduced synthetic fertilizer inputs in the long term but also a tangible decrease in the cost of production for smallholders. It's a practical solution to the economic hurdles farmers face, a testament that sustainable agriculture isn't just a lofty ideal but a feasible reality.

Cultivating Tomorrow: The Road Ahead

As the organic symphony gains momentum, the experts stress the need for an amplified chorus in the form of increased extension services. Smallholder farmers, the backbone of our agricultural landscape, must be empowered with knowledge and support to dive into the realm of organic fertilizer production.

In this agricultural revolution, every farmer is a protagonist, every seed a potential narrative of change. Ocheng and his fellow advocates beckon us to envision a future where agriculture isn't just a series of inputs purchased but a harmonious relationship with the land. It's a call to embrace practices that not only sustain our farms but elevate them to be thriving ecosystems.

In this realm of organic possibility, the seeds of change are sown, nurtured by the hands that till the soil. The future of agriculture, it seems, is not just green but vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in the wisdom of the earth.