Government releases first consignment of Sh3.6b subsidised fertiliser

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

The National Government has flagged off the first consignment of the Sh3.55billion subsidised fertiliser to farmers.

On Thursday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua indicated the subsidised DAP fertilizer would be unveiled to farmers for the period of the ongoing short rains season.

He said the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will make available 1.4 million bags of 50kg of fertiliser available to farmers at subsidised prices.

"The government is alive to the high cost of living that has persisted over the past years. The price of maize flour in particular has been high for the better part of this year. Erratic rainfall and high input cost has led to reduced production of maize and other food crops," he said.

The price of planting fertiliser in the current seaon hit a high of over Sh6,500 while CAN fertiliser-used for top dressing-was between Sh600 and Sh7,000 depending on the outlets.Urea was over Sh7,000 per 50 kg bag.

Under the subsidy, DAP fertiliser will cost Sh3,500, CAN Sh2,875, UREA-Sh3,500, NPK- Sh3, 275 and Sulphate of Ammonia will cost Sh2, 220.

"I appeal to farmers who are receiving the short rains to reach out to local NCPB depots and sub-depots to access the required fertiliser," the DP said.

He assured farmers the government had enough fertiliser stock for the long rains in the coming years.

The government has commenced consultations with key actors and stakeholders to ensure quality, affordable and accessible fertiliser to all farmers," he added.

President William Ruto in inauguration speech on September 13 pledged to distribute about 1.4 million bags of subsidized fertiliser.