Uptake of Government subsidized fertiliser gathered momentum as hordes of farmers throng the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kapenguria Depot in West Pokot County since the onset of the heavy rains this week.
The farmers’ demand for the fertilizer has outstripped the supply at the depot after making daily visits to the depot turning the centre into a beehive of activity as trucks unload the consignments which are snapped up by waiting customers.
Some farmers who sought anonymity said they are less perturbed by media reports doing rounds about the presence of fake fertilisers noting that they can only confirm that in case their crops fail to perform well.
“Until I personally come across the so-called fake fertilisers is when I shall believe but as of now that is mere hearsay and fake news,” stated one farmer.
The farmers observed that the demand for the fertiliser had exceeded the supply causing the long queues that has forced some impatient farmers to go for the higher priced fertilisers offered by traders not because the ones at the depots are fake.
“I had registered as a farmer and I was awarded two bags but the continuous long queues at the depot scared me off because the season is here with us and waits for no one. I just went for the readily available option to plant my maize on time,” said Mirriam Chemutai.
The depot has attracted many clients since last week and the process intensified this week when heavy rains started pounding the region with some farmers from the neighbouring Trans Nzoia County being among those seeking fertiliser.
Ms Chemutai considered that the best time for farmers to establish their maize crop is before the mid of this month and with the ongoing rains then one must rush to secure the affordable fertilisers.
The farmers have been appealing to the government to increase the supply of the fertiliser and also to consider establishing sub-depots to cushion them against the high costs of transportation from the main depot in Kapenguria.
“With these heavy rains some of our roads especially in the interior areas are inaccessible hence occasioning additional transportation costs,” observed a farmer.
By Richard Muhambe
