The Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, has assured farmers in the lower Eastern Regions of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni counties of the availability of enough subsidised fertiliser at the four allocated depots in Machakos.
Secretary Administration in State Department for Agriculture Rashid Khator, while speaking at the Machakos National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB), said that farmers are encouraged to continue redeeming and collecting fertiliser for their farms.
Khator, who also chairs the National Fertiliser Technical Committee, added that farmers should take advantage of the rains to collect fertiliser suitable for their farms and increase their food production.
“We are encouraging farmers to continue collecting fertiliser which are available at all depots so that when the rains settle, they can make use of the fertiliser as we increase its production for different value chains,” said Rashid.
On fears of substandard fertiliser, he confirmed that the government has put systems in place to ensure fertiliser is checked before it arrives at the Mombasa port and before it’s distributed to the depots.
He added that if there are any complaints about the quality of the fertiliser, then one is free to report and share their issues at the nearest depot.
Salim Jacob, a farmer from Mitaboni in Machakos, on his part, said that he has been using the subsidised fertiliser for his maize for a long time and has enjoyed quality yields.
Salim appreciated the government’s efforts in providing farmers with suitable fertilisers.
He added that at the depot, he was advised to use the DH04 type of fertiliser, which has helped him achieve a good yield.
“I encourage farmers from Ukambani to come for fertiliser at the Machakos NCPB, where there are plenty and where one will be advised on the proper usage of different types of fertilisers for their farms,” added Salim.
By Anne Kangero and Peace Mwende
