OLX Sets up Inputs Collection Centers for Farmers Across Regions

OLX has set up farm input centers to help farmers easily access inputs and increase yields for their produce across various regions in the country.

Dubbed kilimo smart OLX centers, this will see farmers who have placed orders of various farm inputs on the OLX SMS service, collect them at these centers.

The first four centers have been rolled out in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties. Plans are underway to roll out more centers across other regions. Farmers who had a challenge accessing fertilizers and other inputs can now use the platform to order and have them collected at the kilimo smart centers.

Speaking during the opening of the center, Miss. Priscilla Muhiu, head of business development OLX said that good quality farm inputs has been a challenge for farmers to access and Kilimo smart centers will be strategically set up across various regions to give farmers easy access to inputs.

“We rolled out a plan to set up Kilimo smart centers upon realizing the key challenge farmers face is access to good quality farm inputs. Most of the inputs farmers use currently, affect the soil fertility and over a period of time, they realize a decrease in yields. In order to enable these farmers, generate more yields, it is important that right farm inputs are at their disposal. We are working with input partners Mavuno technology, Osho chemicals and Soil cares to ensure farmers access quality inputs through our platform. These centers will further give them easier and faster access once orders are placed. Our ultimate aim is to assist farmers generate more income by producing more yields than they are now.” Said Miss Muhiu.

Most farmers are not able to access the internet. Through the recently launched SMS service, a farmer is able to now dial *887* and place their orders on OLX. The orders are received and immediately sent to the centers for collection.

“We realized that most farmers are not technology savvy and it is for this reason we are using the SMS service to enable farmers access our platform. The service is free and orders are received and fulfilled within 24 hours. OLX has expanded the agriculture category by not only providing farmers a platform to sell their products and livestock, it has also given them an opportunity to access farm inputs that will eventually increase their produce yields.” Added Miss Muhiu.

Miss Muhiu noted that farmers lack enough knowledge on best farm inputs for their produce. He said that by constantly testing their soils and using the right fertilizers, it will give farmers more yields thereby increasing their income.