State rolls out 2 million bags of subsidized fertilizer to growers

SADIK HASSAN-KNA

The Government has begun distributing two million bags of subsidized fertilizer, providing relief to over six million farmers across the country.

Under the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Ronoh, said the consignment will be delivered to 354 National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots nationwide, as well as to cooperative societies and certified Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) depots, making it accessible to farmers.

He said the delay had been occasioned by the Middle East conflict which forced vessels to take longer routes through South Africa to reach Mombasa.

The PS assured farmers that fertilizer will reach their nearest depots within this week, enabling them to redeem supplies and continue with food production.

He noted that several depots in the North Rift region had already received the fertilizer and that the arrival of the large consignment will further boost farming activities.

“We have no doubt that our farmers will get enough fertilizer in all the stores. They can now move comfortably to their farms and continue farming,” the PS said as he flagged off the consignment at the Port of Mombasa.

Dr Ronoh directed NCPB to open depots on weekends and public holidays to ensure steady supply.

The State Department for Agriculture has also engaged transporters and the Kenya Railway Corporation, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to ensure the consignment is delivered faster and more efficiently.

Dr Ronoh noted that the government has put in place a robust plan for next year’s fertilizer subsidy to cushion farmers against any disruptions beyond its control.

“Most farmers have diversified and are now planting different types of crops, especially cash crops. We have seen farmers planting coffee, avocados, macadamia, and other crops apart from maize and vegetables, which will help transform the economy. If we engage farmers effectively, this economy will change,” he said.

He warned unscrupulous dealers and collaborators selling government-subsidized fertilizer above the approved price of Sh2,500 that they will be arrested and charged.