The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has distributed 307,200 bags of 50 kilograms each out of the 426,000 bags of government-subsidized DAP planting fertiliser through its depots for sale to registered farmers in various parts of the country for the short rains.
NCPB Managing Director (MD) Joseph Kimote said that the subsidised DAP fertiliser which is retailing at Sh 3,500 per 50 kg bag is part of the total 1.4 million bags of assorted varieties of fertilisers for the 2022/2023 short rains season.
“By distributing the fertiliser with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, the board is implementing the Presidential directive on the provision of subsidised planting fertiliser to farmers for the short rains season so as to boost food security. The programme was publicly launched by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on 22nd September 2022,” said Kimote.
He explained that while the distribution of DAP planting fertiliser is ongoing, plans are underway to avail CAN/Urea top-dressing fertilisers and Agricultural Lime to farmers.
“In order to infuse inclusivity into the supply and distribution of subsidised fertiliser, the Board has invited bids from manufacturers and distributors of fertilisers to supply both soil and crop specific fertiliser blends for planting and topdressing. These fertilisers will also be distributed under the subsidy programme,” said Kimote.
He highlighted that the crop-specific fertiliser blends will also benefit registered tea and coffee farmers who are not covered under the KTDA and the New KPCU distribution frameworks respectively.
According to Kimote, the board is working closely with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance distribution of the subsidised fertiliser by availing it closer to farmers at the grassroots through the counties’ outlets.
“In this regard, the board will open county government-supported satellite-selling centres nearer to farmers for ease of access,” said Kimote.
He continued: “As the CoG works to ensure efficiency in the registration of farmers, NCPB in consultation with local leadership is sensitizing farmers on the ongoing subsidised fertiliser distribution. Further, the board is constantly interacting with farmers and other members of the public through social media and vernacular radio station engagements to enhance the uptake of the subsidised fertiliser. We, therefore, urge farmers to register with their respective ward Agricultural Officers so that they can benefit from the GOK subsidised fertiliser.”
Kimote said that the CoG and their respective county administrators are critical partners in oversighting the subsidised fertiliser distribution exercise while the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) on their part, are monitoring the exercise and providing overall security for the programme.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
