The Kenyan government has given over 200 trucks of fertiliser to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to address the shortage of farm produce within the nation, citing that the deliveries are part of the extra one million bags that were imported after demand for the farm input outstripped the budgeted supplies of 3.5 million bags.
The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe made this known in a statement. Kagwe highlighted that to ensure that the demand” of farm produce are met, early distribution of fertilisers before raining season must be done.
“To address the rising demand, the government has mobilised over 200 trucks currently en route to various NCPB stores to replenish supplies. Furthermore, additional metric tonnes of fertiliser are in transit via sea to ensure continued availability,” he said.
Farmers across various counties have welcomed the new supplies, expressing relief that they can now proceed with planting without further delays.
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One of the farmer’s Peter Rono, said that “Bags of subsidised fertiliser for top dressing are plentiful since farmers are currently focused on planting. They will apply the top-dressing fertiliser later.”
Ropo emphasized that government fertilisers must be sold at Sh2,500 per 50kg bag and prioritized for commercial farmers buying in bulk and those purchasing fewer than 10 bags. He urged farmers to register in the E-Fertiliser management system for easier access and warned the NCBP against cartels, stressing that only genuine farmers would receive subsidized fertiliser.
Speaking about the farmers turn up in getting the fertiliser, officials at the depot confirmed that farmers were purchasing fertiliser in large numbers as the rains continue.Mr. Mutai acknowledged that some farmers had been making enquiries and queuing at NCPB outlets to purchase the subsidised fertiliser.
