By Mutuvi Janet
Farmers in the country are expected to receive subsidized fertilizer after the new government delivered them to the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) for distribution.
“Over Ksh. 3.55 billion has been set aside to subsidize 1.4 million 50kg bags. The cost of a 50kg bag of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) – the world’s most used phosphorus fertilizer – which was initially sold at Ksh. 6,500 will now be sold at Ksh. 3,500,” said Dr Francis Owino, Principal Secretary, Crop Development and Agricultural Research.
He stated that the amount of fertilizer delivered to NCPB would support approximately 1.4 million acres with each farmer entitled to at most 100 bags.
“The NCPB will start distributing the subsidized fertilizer to counties which practice farming during the short rains period,” he added.
President William Ruto initially noted that farmers were experiencing low maize yield due to the high cost of inputs such as fertilizer and seeds.
Speaking during his swearing-in event at Kasarani, he revealed that he was going to spearhead distribution of cheaper fertilizers to farmers thereby enhancing agriculture production and guaranteeing food security for the Country.
“I have also made arrangements with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to supply tea farmers with the fertilizer to promote growth of the tea sector,” he said.
